Teacher Kneale enjoys youngsters' personalities

RITZVILLE – Second-grade teacher Chelsea Kneale was chosen for the Above and Beyond Award, presented by Principal Cindy Deska at the Lind-Ritzville School Board meeting.

"Chelsie has been a rock star this year with not only her in-person students, but her remote students as well," Deska said. "She currently has six students who are remote and 14 students in person every day. She has had as many as nine remote learners during the year. She has been committed to providing quality learning opportunities for all of her students and has spent countless hours making this year the best it can be."

Kneale said the most challenging part of having both remote learners and students in the classroom was making sure all their questions got answered.

"I have some students who Zoom in to class every day, in to math and ELA (English Language Arts), so the challenge is making sure I'm answering all the questions that they have online, and making sure I'm checking my computer and I'm hearing the little raise-the-hand button, as well as answering the questions in the classroom," Kneale said. "Sometimes my in-person students can be working on online work, or a worksheet on their own quietly; and I'm also teaching on the computer, so I'm making sure I'm being quiet and answering their questions. That's the hardest part."

Kneale said the most fun part of teaching was the students' personalities at this age.

"They become so independent for the very first time in second grade, and it's just so fun to see them really become who they want to be, and their little personalities," Kneale said. "They all have their little senses of humor, and they tell jokes, and that's probably my favorite part."

Kneale grew up in LaCrosse, earned her bachelor's degree at EWU, and finished her master's degree last year from Western Governor's University. This is her third year teaching.

"I still live in Cheney, and bought a house there last year, but I still commute because I just love this small town and want to keep that part of me," Kneale said.