Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center teacher Jennifer Cheek is the building’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. She has been with the Poplar Bluff School District since 2010.
Cheek and her family are very active in the community, according to those who nominated her. She is a supporter of Mules softball and track teams, as well as a member of Bluff church, where she volunteers in community outreach program. This year, Cheek also took on the challenge of chairman of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fundraiser committee for the building.
“She is the epitome of grace, kindness and patience,” according to colleague Amanda Summers. “You will never hear her voice raised and she is not easily frustrated, even when faced with challenging circumstances or students.”
Former student Abigail Vaughn said, “I really miss her. She was always excited to see me and I knew that she was glad to have me there! I learned so much when I was in her class.”
The same sentiment seems to be shared by students, parents and colleagues.
Parent Felicia Hager wrote, “Thanks to Mrs. Cheek, my home was filled with stories of good days, thoughtful parent gifts made by my daughter, papers of artwork and newly learned and developed skills to decorate my refrigerator with.”
Cheek received her Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education in 2001 and went on to achieve a Master of Science degree in education from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2013.
During her time with Poplar Bluff schools, Cheek has been said to go above and beyond her duties as an educator, such as a time when she became aware of a student in need of shoes and made sure the student received socks and shoes discreetly.
Colleague Tammy Reid-Whelchel described Cheek as an “insightful” teacher, “Her heart is in teaching and it shows on her face as well as in her teaching. It is no doubt that she has been put on earth to teach.”
In Cheek’s nomination form, it states that she designs her lessons, “to meet her students where they are academically.” She is said to genuinely care about her students and strives to make each day a positive experience by consistently engaging on a personal level with her students and, “embracing the whole child.”