Educator Spotlight: Niemantsverdriet & Reddy

JOE NIEMANTSVERDRIET

When you think of chemistry, you probably don’t think about creativity, but for Lakewood High School chemistry teacher Joe Niemantsverdriet, being creative with his lessons is key to his teaching.

For many students, chemistry is not intuitive. Joe develops lessons that help his students visualize a concept or a formula while engaging the students in the lesson at the same time. For example, when teaching about metallic bonding, Joe has the students act as the valence electrons, moving freely around the classroom, while the desks serve as atoms that remain stationary.

“I always try to make (the students) a part of the lesson when appropriate,” Joe says.

Joe, who joined the District in 2013, also relies on his Vision of a Lakewood Ranger competency of collaboration to hone his teaching skills. Having returned to teaching chemistry after many years away from it, Joe has relied heavily on his fellow Chemistry Department colleagues to learn about Lakewood’s approach to teaching the subject. “There is a lot of bouncing ideas and strategies off of each other,” Joe says. 

Joe tries to stay in tune with his students by listening to them when they share and trying to understand what they are going through, which may lead to him adjusting to take in account a student’s struggles. “I try to figure out what they need based on where they are,” Joe says. 

Joe’s efforts have not gone unrecognized by his principal, Joy Morgan, who says  “In the classroom, Joe has brought a renewed energy to chemistry, creating engaging lessons that keep students actively involved in their learning. His enthusiasm, dedication, and positive impact on students make him a valued member of our team.”

MARYELLEN REDDY

When  Lakewood High paraprofessional Maryellen Ready retired from her career as a bailiff after 35 years, she traded in courts for kids. Having been accustomed to dealing with serious legal matters, Maryellen said working with students is a breath of fresh air. 

“Working with kids, it’s like I see a whole other side of life,” says Maryellen. The best part — she says — "they make me laugh."

Maryellen, who joined the District in 2015 and has worked a number paraprofessional jobs such as lunch and study hall monitor, is constantly using her Vision of a Lakewood Ranger competencies of communication and empathy. “They all have their own stories,” Maryellen says of the students, “I love to listen to them, talk to them, and get to know them.” 

Maryellen says students often approach her to talk and that she has gained their trust. They know that her space is a safe one. She makes a point to get to know something about each student and find out what is important to them.

Says Principal Joy Morgan about Maryellen: “She consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, always demonstrating patience, care, and a willingness to help wherever she is needed. In addition to the support she provides students each day, Mary Ellen also takes time to help new staff members acclimate to Lakewood High School, making them feel welcomed and supported. Her steady, supportive presence helps create a positive and encouraging environment throughout our building.”