R-III honors teacher, support staff of the year

By: Derrick Forsythe, Correspondent
Posted 3/25/21

It’s difficult for Shelby Graves to conceal her enthusiastic smile while talking about her career in education. It comes about as naturally for her as the role she serves as librarian and media …

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R-III honors teacher, support staff of the year

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It’s difficult for Shelby Graves to conceal her enthusiastic smile while talking about her career in education. It comes about as naturally for her as the role she serves as librarian and media specialist at Rebecca Boone Elementary. 

Perhaps the only reserved moment for the 13-year veteran are when it comes to discussing her recent recognition as Warren County R-III Teacher of the Year. 

“Every teacher has done amazing work during this pandemic,” said Graves, who was honored during the monthly school board meeting on March 11. 

Also recognized was Support Staff Person of the Year, Karen Klaustermeier, in her 18th year as a bus driver for the district. 

“I’m really happy they considered the transportation department, because they’re such a hardworking group of people,” said Klaustermeier. “It’s really special to be honored by that.”

Graves is one of the longest-standing educators at Rebecca Boone Elementary, having previously taught third and fifth grades. 

“Shelby is one of our most innovative and creative teachers in the district,” said R-III Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith. “She cares deeply for her students and is always willing to help and support any staff members.”

Graves says she was initially hesitant when she made the decision four years ago to transition from the classroom to the library. 

“When you’re in the classroom, you have a really strong bond,” said Graves. “I knew going into the library I would get to see every student in the building, but I wondered if I would still feel I was doing a good job.”

Graves quickly embraced her new role, seeing that she could bring an imaginative and outside-the-box approach to the school and impact the entire student body. She has introduced several forms of technology, including 3-D printers, and has become the district’s first Google certified trainer.

“I genuinely enjoy helping everyone, whether it’s students or staff,” said Graves. “Every day is different and has its own challenges. There’s something every day that brings me joy.”

She says giving students an opportunity to express their creativity through designing and printing out 3-D material has ignited a new excitement for learning.

“I feel like if you give kids a little bit of direction and let them see what they can do, they will amaze you,” said Graves, who has also added more diverse selections to the library.

“My hope is that every child can open a book and see themselves reflected on the pages,” said Graves.

Interacting with a wide range of students and backgrounds is also part of Klaustermeier’s role, who has made a commitment to getting youth safely to and from school each day. 

“I get very attached, because many of them are with me every year of school if they don’t change routes,” said Klaustermeier. “I have several kids who are second generation children, and whose parents were on my bus route.”

Klaustermeier went beyond her required duties last spring when the pandemic shut down school, cutting off the link between many students and the guarantee of a meal. She joined volunteers in taking the buses around the county to deliver meals to families in the district.

“Karen genuinely cares about all the students in the district, and that shows in everything she does,” said Klinginsmith. “She’s a wonderful person to work with, and we’re blessed to have her as a staple in our transportation department.”

Warren County School District, Teacher of the Year

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