Galloway Township Public Schools

Allie (Stern) Pospisil: The Heart of Smithville Elementary School
Allie Pospisil, known as Ms. Stern to many, is an exceptional kindergarten teacher at Smithville Elementary, embodying the qualities of dedication, patience, and profound understanding. She was truly "made for her position."

Allie goes above and beyond to create a motivating experience, making learning fun and instilling perseverance in her students. She employs a unique award system to ensure every child feels special and valued. Her teaching philosophy aligns with the sentiment: "Live a balanced life—learn some…and draw some and paint some and sing and dance and play and work every day some."

Allie's dedication extends far beyond her teaching duties. She is a pillar of the Smithville school community, serving as a team leader, participating in the Sunshine and Green Teams, dressing up as Buddy the Dolphin, and most recently organizing the school calendar.

She is known for her amazing rapport with students and families, maintaining positive communication and cheering on students in all their activities. Every morning, former students stop by her classroom door for a hug and to share their accomplishments, a testament to the lasting, positive relationships she cultivates.

Ms. Pospisil is an inspiration to her colleagues, consistently demonstrating a collaborative spirit and a positive attitude. Above all, she is a fierce champion for her students, remaining their steadfast cheerleader even after they leave her classroom.

Her genuine warmth and commitment to her students and coworkers bring "loads of sunshine" to the entire school, solidifying her status as a pillar of the Smithville school community and a most deserving candidate for this honor.

Kelly Tandy: A Leader in Learning at Reeds Road Elementary
Mrs. Kelly Tandy, a dedicated 3rd-grade Inclusion Teacher at Reeds Road Elementary School, is an exceptional educator whose influence spans far beyond her classroom. Her unwavering commitment, leadership, and collaborative spirit make a profound and lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the entire school community.

As a Special Education teacher, Kelly consistently goes above and beyond to support her students, breaking down challenging concepts into meaningful, understandable instruction for all learners. She models professionalism and excellence, inspiring both students and staff with her innovative ideas. Our school is a better place because of her dedication and drive to make a difference.

Kelly's influence extends well beyond her classroom. She is the Student Council Coordinator, fostering student voice and community service. She is also a key problem-solver; for example, she was instrumental in reinstating the 6th Grade Safety Patrol program to improve dismissal safety and give older students responsibility. Kelly is always the first to step up when a need arises, demonstrating a strong collaborative spirit and commitment to service, even organizing the Veterans Day celebration while on leave.

Mrs. Kelly Tandy is truly a shining example of an exceptional educator and an indispensable asset to Reeds Road Elementary, driven by a deep love for her work and a desire to inspire others.

John O’Kane: A Special Teacher for Special Kids at Roland Rogers
Mr. John O'Kane is a Special Education Teacher at Roland Rogers Elementary School who demonstrates exceptional dedication and a truly genuine heart for his students.

Teaching children with disabilities or special needs requires a unique level of commitment, and Mr. O'Kane consistently delivers this, showing up every day with a smile and a heart of gold. He recognizes that each child in his classroom requires extra special attention and dedication, and he rises to the challenge daily, giving "a little extra times ten or better."

Beyond his classroom teaching, Mr. O'Kane demonstrates his commitment to practical skill development by running Cafe 13. This is a successful life skills program where his students operate a coffee cart for the school community. This innovative program provides students with invaluable experience in customer service, money management, following multi-step directions, workplace skills and more

His tireless efforts and personalized care, including running Cafe 13, have made a world of difference in the educational lives of his students. Mr. O'Kane's profound impact is felt and deeply appreciated by the families he serves, earning him gratitude a million times over for his unwavering commitment to their children.

Kelsey Kasunich: Exceptional 5th Grade Leader at Arthur Rann Elementary
Ms. Kelsey Kasunich is an exceptional and well-rounded 5th-grade teacher at Arthur Rann Elementary School, renowned for her dedication, innovative teaching, and deep commitment to her students and the school community.

Ms. Kasunich consistently takes pride in her lessons and works to ensure all students are actively learning. She consistently goes above and beyond the standard curriculum to plan engaging and fun lessons that accommodate all learners, regardless of their ability or background.

For several years, she has excelled in a co-teaching classroom environment, demonstrating a strong ability to collaborate with colleagues to effectively meet the needs of students with disabilities. She is highly valued for her dedication to differentiating instruction and making material accessible and enjoyable.

Kelsey maintains a great rapport with her students and their parents. This connection is clearly visible each day as numerous previous students stop by her classroom to say good morning, and parents often seek her out during school events.

Ms. Kasunich is a strong demonstrated leader within the Arthur Rann community, extending her influence well beyond the classroom walls; she leads the Student Council, organizing meetings and events that actively foster a positive school climate. Furthermore, she extends her mentorship role outside of school by serving as a soccer coach for local students and frequently taking time out of her personal schedule to attend student games and events, showing unwavering support for their endeavors in the broader community.

Overall, Ms. Kelsey Kasunich represents the model of a truly exceptional educator, blending classroom excellence with dedicated community leadership.

Karen Miller: Extraordinary Self-Contained Autism Educator
Mrs. Karen Miller is an exceptionally skilled and deeply devoted Self-Contained Autism Teacher at Galloway Township Middle School (GTMS). Her work reflects the highest standards of teaching, leadership, and care, particularly for the district's most significantly impacted learners. She approaches her role with an extraordinary level of expertise, patience, and compassion.

Mrs. Miller ensures every student receives purposeful, individualized instruction across all critical domains: academic, functional, communication, and social-emotional. Her classroom is a model of excellence, defined by:Structured supports and meaningful routines, and Consistent implementation of evidence-based practices, including visual supports, behavioral frameworks, and differentiated materials.

She collaborates closely with related services, case managers, and families to build consistent systems that promote skill generalization across different environments. Her ability to balance high expectations with a deep understanding of each child's unique needs is truly remarkable.

Mrs. Miller actively creates essential opportunities for her students to integrate and connect with the broader GTMS community. A standout example is her classroom’s annual bake sale project, where students acquire crucial functional life skills such as following recipes, safely using appliances, and preparing goods.

During the sale, students practice communication, social skills, and real-world independence as they interact directly with staff and peers. By fostering these inclusive and authentic experiences, Mrs. Miller promotes a strong sense of belonging and models what genuine integration between special and general education should look like.

Mrs. Miller is a reliable and positive force within the GTMS community. Her colleagues trust her judgment, parents appreciate her honesty and warmth, and her students clearly adore her. She embodies an unwavering dedication to her profession and stands out as a fierce advocate for her students, committing herself to improving outcomes for every learner she serves.

Check out our announcement video here: