For Immediate Release
February 6, 2008
Contact: Leni Stern
Community Outreach Specialist
301-809-3068
lstern@cityofbowie.org

Subject: January 2008 Teacher of the Month
Niki Kohn Chapel Forge Early Childhood Center

This experienced educator, Niki Kohn, specializes in teaching young children with identified special education needs. It is always fun to walk by her classroom where one can “see and hear imagination and language at work,” according to her nomination send in by Eileen Rodriguez, another teacher at the school.

Ms. Kohn is always seeking new ways to encourage her children’s “expressive and receptive language.” She uses signs, photos, gestures, whatever it takes to give choices to students as they develop language skills, to ensure language acquisition. Objects are used as props to tell stories. There is music and dance in her classroom as well. Her children learn to play and share. There is time for “directed play” and “independent exploration” activities.

This teacher is a listener who offers much for parents of her students, understanding the “ups and downs” of parenting. “She offers support, suggestions and a shoulder as needed.” Professionally, she is a leader at school, volunteering to work with various activities and committees and offering attention to detail and solutions to concerns. “This talented woman is a fantastic teacher.”

Principal Elyse Hurley refers to her as “a very creative teacher,” who “embraces children of all abilities and gives them a language rich environment with a variety of hands-on activities and art projects.” “She works collaboratively with other educators to plan exciting lessons for the children.” She is also “an integral part of the school planning team.”

Bowie City Council will recognize Ms. Niki Kohn, as Teacher of the Month at the City Council Meeting on February 19th at 8pm. She will receive a certificate of recognition and a $100 United States Savings Bond, for which funding is provided by program partner, the BB& T Bank. Main Street Caterers will treat her and Principal Elyse Hurley with a “lunch box,” for a special lunch together. .

The Teacher of the Month program recognizes Bowie teachers for their teaching excellence,
as well as for the “little things” which mean a lot to students, parents, and peers. Nomination information is available on the City of Bowie web site, www.cityofbowie.org, or at the Department of Community Services at Bowie City Hall. For additional information, contact Education Committee liaison Leni Stern, at lstern@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3068.