Sittig inspires students, staff at PBMS

Building relationships with students and coworkers multiplies Kris Sittig’s success at the Poplar Bluff Middle School, where she was named to the campus Teacher of the Year.

Sittig “builds relationships with students constantly. Her students know she truly cares about them,” Shelly Riden said in nominating Sittig.

Sitting is seen as a role model to her coworkers, she carries herself professionally, and colleagues know she will help in any way, Ridden added.

In all of her nominations, everyone said, “students are her No. 1 concern” and “students know she cares.”

Donna Baller, speech/language pathologist at the middle school, described Sittig as “a top-notch educator and colleague.”

After observing Sittig as “a classroom teacher, interventionist, mentor and friend,” Baller said, “she is one of those people you admire and aspire to be, both professionally and on a personal level.”

Also calling Sittig a team player and collaborator, Baller recalls “years ago, she had a bright, charming, yet slightly mischievous autistic student join her classroom. Initially, she felt she did not have the expertise or the background to help him succeed.

“At the end of the year, they stood proudly next to each other at our awards ceremony. While this was a few years ago, she has not stopped inspiring all students to exceed expectations and reach their highest potential.”

Sittig creates a fun, yet effective learning environment where students of all learning abilities can thrive, another nominator said.

Yet another said, she “always extends a helping hand whenever we need it.”

While coworkers praise her actions, the others in the equation — the students — are willing to chalk up their success to her skills.

Jaidah Jones said, “Mrs. Sittig is a great teacher, and she loves and cares about every kid that comes to her. She is one strong lady. She would never let anyone drag her down. No matter what, she stays strong.”

Callei Moss recounts, “Mrs. Sittig is a caring, nice, sweet and funny person. She makes learning fun. She is a very loving person who will say ‘hey how’s your day going!’”

Iazzack Starks admits “if I’m being honest, my grades were not up to snuff, and now my highest grade is a B because of your help. It’s been stressful, so basically I couldn’t have done all of this without you, and next time you leave the classroom and don’t come back, please let me know.”

Sittig has worked in education for 27 years.

She has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary education, both from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. Sittig has her Missouri State Teacher’s Certificate in Elementary Education Grade Level 1-6 and Missouri State Teacher’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education Grade Level B-3.

Her awards include the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Outstanding Elementary School Mathematics Educator Award 2015 and Poplar Bluff 5th and 6th Grade Center Teacher of the Year 2011-2012.