Northeastern Local Schools (Tinora) is proud to celebrate third-grade teacher Stephanie Canales, who was recently honored with the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Recognition by the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS). She received this recognition at a special luncheon held at Bowling Green State University.
Stephanie’s impact in the classroom reaches far beyond academics. Her dedication to her students, families, and the community is evident in everything she does. As Superintendent Mrs. Wells shared, “Stephanie Canales exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. Her dedication to her students, passion for learning and ability to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment make her truly deserving of this recognition. She not only teaches academic skills but also inspires confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning in every child she serves.”
Despite the honor, Stephanie remains humble. “It is always great to see teachers recognized for all they do for students, families and the community,” she said. “I was truly surprised though, because I don’t think I am any more deserving of this award than any of the other hard-working and dedicated teachers in our district. We have a great staff who truly care about kids.”
Over the course of her career, Stephanie’s teaching style has evolved to focus not only on academics, but on the whole child. “With experience came the realization that there is a lot more to teaching than what they tell you in your college classes,” she shared. “I think a lot more about my students as individuals and try to appeal to their interests. I try to make learning fun.”
That mindset has made a lasting impact on her students. She hopes they leave her classroom with more than just knowledge. “I hope my students leave me with more confidence in themselves,” she said.
For Stephanie, the most meaningful moments in teaching are often the simplest. “The best moments for me are when a student has been struggling with something and then, after a lot of hard work, gets it,” she explained. “I also enjoy any time students are learning while having fun at the same time. Those are the moments they remember years later.”
Elementary Principal Mr. Tipton sees that impact firsthand every day. “Mrs. Canales always puts students first,” he said. “She puts in an extraordinary amount of time and continuously works to better her students. She is a leader and is always willing to help in any situation. She is reliable, professional, and trustworthy.”
He also emphasized the growth her students experience under her guidance. “So many students have shown a large amount of academic and social growth when under the tutelage of Mrs. Canales. She has the uncanny ability of being able to get the most out of her students. She develops effective relationships with her students that allow them to grow and flourish in her classroom.”
Mr. Tipton added that recognizing educators like Stephanie is essential. “Teaching can be a very stressful and under appreciated job. We are very fortunate at Tinora to have so many dedicated educators. Showing appreciation to them is important in order to continue the culture of success we have built. We would be nothing without our amazing staff who continue to go above and beyond for our students.”
Stephanie Canales represents the very best of Northeastern Local Schools. Her passion, humility, and commitment to her students make her truly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to celebrate her and grateful for the difference she makes every single day.
