Tammy W.

Mrs. Wilkening should be chosen for this award and recognition for the inspiration and enthusiasm she instills in my son's daily learning experience. There is not a night he does not come home and have a wonderful story to relate at the dinner table about his teacher and how excited he is to tell me about his day. Mrs. Wilkening's teaching style is unique in that she gets my son to learn and expand his horizons even at this young age by introducing new concepts in a way that makes learning fun. My son also loves how Mrs. Wilkening relates stories of her own experience that incorporate the lessons into real life situations. Mrs. Wilkening is enthusiastic and particpates with the kids in activities outside of the classroom as well [i.e., Grand Canyon Trekkers - a program to get the kids to walk or run certain distances to promote healthy choices]. The sign of a great teacher is one who can engage the students at this young age and get them to enjoy learning. It constantly amazes me that my son does not want to miss a day opf school because he does not wish to miss learning. For this reason and for Mrs. Wilkening's teaching dedication I hope that you will choose Mrs. Wilkening for the Excellence in Education award because she truly deserves to be recognized for the geat work she does at Cochise Elementary.

Signed,
John Fahey