Brittany Ward has been selected as the 2021-2022 Elm Grove Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Ward is a special education teacher for grades 3-5. She joined Ohio County Schools at the start of the 2015-2016 school year as a special education teacher at Ritchie Elementary School before moving to Elm Grove the following school year.
Elm Grove Elementary School Principal Rick Dunlevy said Ward is a creative teacher, and she is an enthusiastic educator. He said her efforts extend beyond the classroom.
“She always puts her students' best interests first,” Dunlevy said. “Students love her decorative classroom, ‘Flashlight Fridays’ and rap songs to remember math skills are some of their favorites. Ms. Ward is also an officer in our PTO and has served on the Local School Improvement Council.
“Every morning, Ms. Ward greets our students when they get off the bus,” he added. “She’s always there with a welcoming and encouraging smile and conversation. She is always willing to help wherever needed.”
“When I went to school to become a teacher, I always wanted to work for Ohio County Schools, because as a product, I know that we put our students first,” Ward said. “I actually attended Elm Grove when I was in elementary school, so when I come to work every day, it feels like home to me. I'm lucky because the students that I have, I get to teach for three years, so building a rapport with them is key to our success. This year has been very unique and challenging, but the established relationships I have with my students have made distance learning easier. Every day is a new adventure, and they always keep me on my toes. However, I love what I do, and watching them meet their educational goals makes it all worthwhile. I want what is best for my students to achieve so that they can be the best versions of themselves now and in the future.”