Carey Wilkerson teachers her students at Oak Grove Elementary tons of really fun stuff, second-grade student Liam Bates shared in a Teacher of the Year nomination letter.
Accompanied by pencil drawing, and the inscription, “Best teacher in the multi-verse,” Bates also said, “She believes in me and says it’s OK if I mess up on a test... She makes our class happy. I am glad to have her in my life.”
Wilkerson earned Teacher of the Year for her campus, with the support of co-workers, parents and students alike.
With 14 years in education, Wilkerson said she is passionate and dedicated to elementary learning, wholeheartedly committed to creating a positive learning environment where students feel inspired and motivated.
“I understand the importance of using data-driven instruction and research-based strategies to ensure every child learns,” said Wilkerson, who has been at Oak Grove since 2017. “I strive to build meaningful relationships with students, staff parents and community members.”
Wilkerson wants to see all of her students and co-workers succeed, Oak Grove co-worker Klarissa Morse told the committee in a nomination letter.
“Carey strives to be a leader in curriculum within our building,” Morse said. “She is continuously learning new literacy strategies and loves to share them with everyone in the building.
“If she finds something she feels will fit our grade level, she never hesitates to share it with the grade level team.”
Wilkerson has worked with several of Becky Ingle’s special education students over the years, always trying to find new strategies to reach the children, Ingle shared.
“Carey is encouraging to all of her students and she spends time daily pointing out the positives she sees whether they are following hallway expectations or they remembered to capitalize and punctuate the sentence they just wrote,” she said.
Wilkerson holds a master’s degree in administration from William Woods University, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri and is working toward an education specialist certification through Arkansas State University.
She serves as a district ambassador to monthly meetings on professional development, creates the Oak Grove yearbook, is a teacher induction program support system mentor, serves as a cooperating teacher for Southeast Missouri State University and Hannibal-LaGrange University, and tutors students after school in reading and math.
Wilkerson is also a member of Sacred Heart Church and helps organize fundraisers for her daughter’s cheer and tumbling team.
The example Wilkerson sets is one that inspires others to do more, achieve more and be the best they can, said Misty Wiseman, a second grade teacher.
“Year after year, Carey not only sets clearly defined, high expectations for all students, she maintains a classroom environment that fosters this expectation,” Wiseman said. “She achieves these high standards, in part due to her desire to seek out professional development, allowing her to grow as an educator...
“Combined with a healthy dose of love and nurturing, this allows her to maintain the highest of educational standards for all students.”
The total love and dedication Wilkerson showed Melissa Leonard’s son was inspiring, the mother wrote in a her nomination letter.
“Mrs. Wilkerson taught (Spencer) it is okay to be expressive, how to use words to explain feelings and noticed the intelligence in him to have him tested for SINGS,” Leonard said. “... Mrs. Wilkerson not only teaches (students) the things they need to learn for books and writing, she truly teaches these children how to let their inner light shine.”
Former student Tymber Calvin shared third and sixth grade experiences with Wilkerson.
“Thank you so much for being a great teacher to all the kids and me,” Calvin wrote. “You always had a positive personality any day of the week when I went into that classroom. I admire that about you. Anytime I ever needed help, you made sure I understood things fully, which makes you a caring teacher because you made sure your kids learned.”
Calvin also shared a memory of high school graduation, when Wilkerson stopped former students for a hug and congratulations.
“Thank you for being a teacher that (had) a big impact on my life, and helped me get tot he point where I am now,” Calvin said.