Jennifer Ryshavy of Taylorsville Elementary School received the 2022 Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award during a special presentation on March 2, 2022.
Ryshavy teaches first grade and is a dedicated, talented educator who puts her students first while also supporting her colleagues, her school, and her family. Administrators and co-workers marvel at her tireless work ethic, her positive attitude, and her ability to build relationships with students—ensuring they feel cared for, valued, believed in, and supported to do their very best every day.
Ryshavy is recognized as a natural born educator, a thoughtful, compassionate, caring individual, an inspiring and “fierce teacher,” and an incredible leader at her school. Her classroom is a calm and peaceful space providing a stable, nurturing, and safe atmosphere for learning. She is an innovative and reflective teacher infusing fresh ideas as she continuously improves her practice.
Parents appreciate that Ryshavy begins each day by checking in with her students—connecting with the whole child including hobbies, interests, emotional and physical health. She sees children beyond their test scores and is truly invested in their lives. Ryshavy is mindful of the unique needs of all students and her instruction meets them where they are—giving extra attention and support to children who need it and challenging opportunities to those who benefit from enrichment.
When children were learning remotely during the pandemic, Ryshavy arranged in-person meetings with her students at their homes to read them bedtime stories and deliver materials. She was always accessible to parents fostering a family/school team approach which resulted in impressive learning gains.
As part of the recognition, Ryshavy received a monetary gift from SIHO, an inscribed clock from the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), and her name will be added to a permanent plaque in the Columbus Learning Center which lists all previous Folger Award winners.
About the Award
Edna Folger set the early standard for teachers. In her honor, Arvin Foundation originally established the award, which was designed to raise awareness about the immeasurable influence teachers have on their students and to recognize the image of teachers as important community role models.
Sponsored by SIHO, the Community Education Coalition, and the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning, the award includes a stipend and a personal award from the Center for Teaching and Learning. The recipient’s name will be added to a permanent plaque located in the Columbus Learning Center. Any full-time, elementary, or secondary teacher or educator working in a Bartholomew County public, private, or parochial school is eligible to receive the annual award. Classroom, special education, or specials teachers; certified educators; counselors; and administrators are all eligible.