Kindergarten Teacher of the Year sets foundation for success

Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center teacher Olivia Love is described as kind, considerate and exceptional, with a natural ability to connect with her students.

Students, teachers and parents echo that Love is a caring teacher who takes the time to listen before responding to a situation and is positive and respectful in all of her dealings with everyone.

Love was named Teacher of the Year for the PBKC.

A trio of Love’s students shared their thoughts.

Avianna said, “She tells me good morning and gives me a hug.”

Elliott Heniser likes her, “because she is fun and loving. I’m so glad she was my teacher.”

Matthew Miller praises her for being, “kind and smart. Mrs. Love helped me learn math.”

Co-worker Susie Rahlmann said, she’s “always caring to her students and goes above and beyond to provide for her students.”

She often sends extra food home with students who are in need, assists in daily cleanliness and provides a loving environment, Rahlmann said.

While they are all commending her, Love explained, kindergarten is often many students’ first school experience.

“Many students come in without any prior experience in sharing, taking turns, writing, the alphabet, or counting,” she said. “Seeing the growth these students experience during their year in kindergarten is so rewarding.”

Love also believes kindergarten teachers play a crucial role in setting the stage for students’ future educational experiences.

They are taught foundational skills that will continue to build on their academic careers, Love said. Kindergarten also plays a significant role in whether students enjoy attending school and understand education’s critical role in their lives.

Love helps set that foundation, according to those who know her.

She has a natural ability to connect with students and create a stimulating and supportive learning environment,” kindergarten counselor Rebekah Hager said.

Parent Carey Wilkerson said Love helped her son, who can be bashful.

“Mrs. Love brought out the very best in him and helped him come out of his shell,” Wilkerson said. “I am watching him continue to be successful thanks to the foundation she established.”

Rosa Johnson has found Love to be a compassionate, innovative and genuine educator. Johnson says her openness and approachability are remarkable.

Love has taught for 15 years in Poplar Bluff. She was a first-grade teacher at O’Neal and Lake Road elementary schools, a preschool teacher at First Baptist School and a kindergarten teacher at the local kindergarten center.

She is a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, University of Missouri-Columbia and Arkansas State University, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education - reading.