CSA Fodrea’s Kristen Chitty honored with Outstanding Teacher Award

 

A Columbus special education teacher wants all of her students to succeed at whatever they do in life.

Kristen Chitty’s commitment to them extends well past the final bell of the school day. On any given night, the Columbus Signature Academy — Fodrea teacher will receive a phone call or text message from parents whose students have questions or need help with their assignments.

When Chitty receives such a call, she tries to provide whatever assistance may be needed — as having an open line of communication with students’ families is important, she said.

Her willingness and ability to help students learn earned Chitty the annual Edna V. Volger Outstanding Teacher Award, presented March 1 at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting to Bartholomew County’s top teacher.

“We want them to be happy and independent and successful as possible,” Chitty said of the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students she works with. “They’re very hard working and they have goals and aspirations like every traditional student.”

Unlike most elementary teachers, however, Chitty does not have her own classroom. Instead of students coming to her, she goes to them.

For more on this story, see an upcoming edition of The Republic.