![Emily Merkle named Peary Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1641937145/tulsaschoolsorg/wuc9dl4tjapulcdq33be/EmilyMerkle.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1641937145/tulsaschoolsorg/wuc9dl4tjapulcdq33be/EmilyMerkle.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1641937145/tulsaschoolsorg/wuc9dl4tjapulcdq33be/EmilyMerkle.jpg","width":691}])
Fourth grade math and science teacher Emily Merkle has been selected as the 2021-2022 Peary Teacher of the Year!
One of her nominators said: "Emily goes above and beyond to help her students and coworkers. She finds fun and engaging ways to teach her students math. She also builds great relationships with her students. Her students feel comfortable to ask questions or ask for help. They also feel comfortable confiding in her. Emily is not afraid to reach out and ask for help when needed. She always does what's best for her students. I have the honor of working with her but I also had the honor of being a parent of a child in her class. She had my daughter last year when we were mostly in distance learning and she was always available to help her. She had her zoom open all day to ensure students could reach her. She also did parties on Zoom where kids could log on and have a dance party, play games, etc. She has a pride squad where she teaches kids dance and cheer after school. She is an amazing person and teacher and is so deserving of this honor."
This is Merkle's 3rd year at Peary. She said she originally hoped to become a librarian but quickly realized she belonged in the classroom.
"My favorite part of the job is definitely the kids! My students keep me on my toes, and I never know what to expect day to day," said Merkle. "Sometimes they make such profound statements that I can't believe it came from a ten-year-old. Sometimes they have me laughing so hard I can't breathe. And sometimes they challenge me to the point I'm at a loss for words. But no matter what, it is an honor to be part of their education journey and to watch them succeed and grow. They give me daily hope that the future of our world is in good hands!"
In addition to teaching, Merkle coaches the Peary PRIDE Cheer and Dance Squad.
"This has been such a fun way to get to know our Peary kids outside of my classroom while boosting our school spirit. We have 30 members this year! They have been working hard to learn cheers and a dance routine so we can host a performance showcase at the end of the year."