Educator Spotlight: Knapp & O'Connor

 

TERI KNAPP

Harding Middle School health teacher Teri Knapp, now in her 27th year with the District, has always told her students that her classroom is a “no-judgment zone.” By setting that tone, and by using her Vision of a Lakewood Educator competencies of communication and empathy, Teri has created a space where students feel safe to share openly and speak honestly about how physical and mental health issues affect their lives. “They can say or ask anything,” Teri says. She shares openly with her students as well.

Teri believes that this personal sharing brings real-life relevance to topics that might otherwise feel like nothing more than definitions in a textbook. Staying relevant is also why she constantly keeps up with the news, always looking for the latest health updates so she can keep her teaching current—a wonderful example of a growth mindset.

Collaboration is another of Teri’s strengths. She is co-adviser of the Harding Pride Club, along with school counselor Lyndie Schuckert, and she leads the school’s employee vitality program. She is always ready to help when needed. For example, earlier this year students asked her to advise the new Choreography Club. Teri didn’t hesitate to say yes. The students lead the club while Teri learns alongside them about a subject that’s new to her —yet another great example of growth mindset in action.

As she grows closer to retirement, Teri feels proud of the impact she has made on her students and their families. It warms her heart when she hears about students bringing the healthy habits she teaches home, such as one of her former students convincing his family to eat healthier together. It’s the small wins like that that she will remember when she moves on to her next chapter.

 

SEAN O’CONNOR 

Sean O’Connor finds deep fulfillment in working with students, whether he’s supporting them in the classroom or coaching them in the pool. The Harding Middle School paraprofessional and Lakewood High swim coach leans on his Vision of a Lakewood Educator competencies of communication and collaboration to help his students and swimmers grow.

For Sean, collaboration is essential to bringing out the best in the young people he works with.

“I have to work hand-in-hand with the teacher in order to achieve the best outcomes for our students,” Sean says. “It’s the same with coaching. It’s a team effort with the other coaches to come up with the best strategy for our swimmers.”

Sean’s strong sense of teamwork was especially evident last school year when he stepped in midyear at Franklin School of Opportunity as a long-term teaching substitute.

“Sean was an exceptional support during a pivotal time for FSO,” said FSO principal Terri Elwell-Bornino. “His energy, generosity, and authentic connection with students and staff were invaluable.”

His collaborative spirit extends well beyond his own classroom and building. While teaching at FSO, Sean also volunteered as a chaperone for the Harding eighth-grade Washington, D.C., trip—another opportunity to build relationships and support students.

For Sean, those relationships are the heart of his work. “It’s really fulfilling to get to know each of them,” he says. It’s that connection with students and swimmers that continually motivates him to grow as both an educator and a coach.