March 18, 2016 -- Ms. Hong Zenisek, Mandarin Chinese teacher at Monticello Middle School, has been nominated for the 2016 Ohio Teacher of the Year Award.
The award given by the Ohio School Board Association recognizes educators who have inspired students of diverse backgrounds and abilities; have earned the respect of students, parents and colleagues; and play active roles in the community and school.
This is Ms. Zenisek's second year teaching in the District. Last year, she taught at both the high school and middle school level. She currently teaches grades 6-8 at Monticello.
Ms. Zenisek earned her undergraduate degree from John Carroll University. She then went on to earn both a Master of Education and law degree from Cleveland State University. She also has an education degree from China, where she taught at a middle school for two years. She said the most rewarding thing about her job is seeing students achieve success.
"For example, when one of my first-year Chinese students won first place and another student won third place in the Ohio Chinese Essay competition for middle school last year, I was incredibly proud," she said.
Ms. Zenisek will be honored at a banquet on March 30 at Wellsville Junior/Senior High School in Wellsville, Ohio.