Ms. Kuca has won “Teacher of the Year”, and last year she received the Golden Apple which goes to show what an amazing teacher she is! She is a teacher in the SUCCEED department and is one of Parker’s (WPHS mental health dog) handlers. Through these roles, she has built a reputation, not just as an educator, but as someone that students and staff can rely on.
“It’s really an honor especially considering here at Park we have 100 teachers, roughly,” said Ms. Kuca. “So for the nomination to go uncontested, that really spoke volumes from my colleagues to me.”
The “Teacher of the Year” award represents a teacher that has made an impact in their classroom and our school community. Each year the teaching staff nominates candidates for this award. Once the candidate accepts the nomination, the teaching faculty holds a vote to select the “Teacher of the Year.”
“I think the best part of this award is that you are being recognized by our teachers who believe you are making a difference with students and making our school a better place,” said Mrs. Richards.
Ms. Kuca strives to live up to that support every day. She wishes to be that person for someone, whether that be students or colleagues, she wants to be someone they can confide in. Ms. Kuca’s role extends beyond the classroom, and shows the importance of everyday, small interactions.
“Just a day to day, like hey I need help studying or I’m missing this assignment, can you help me learn this,” said Ms. Kuca. “For colleagues, just being there if they need anything, just to be that person.”
Ms. Kuca is very active outside of her classroom, she serves as the school’s Faculty Senate Chair. In this role, she organizes and runs Faculty Senate meetings, which is a forum to give educators a voice in school governance and instruction. She also serves on the Teacher Enhancement Committee, which plans socials and events.
“Probably one of her favorite roles, she is one of Parker’s handlers. Throughout the day, she has Parker and takes him on classroom visits with her students,” said Mrs. Richards.
The SUCCEED department is very special to Wheeling Park High School and has a wide range of devoted teachers pulling their part in order to make the best place for their students.
“The SUCCEED Department is made up of dedicated, patient, and passionate educators. Collectively, they ensure students who may need additional help academically, socially, or physically are successful in high school. Teachers like Ms. Kuca, get to know their students and their families,” said Mrs. Richards. “They work with other teachers, community agencies, and families to ensure their students have a solid plan for after high school. These teachers advocate for their students to ensure they learn the necessary skills to be successful after they leave Wheeling Park High School.”
These everyday moments are what truly define a great teacher. Ms. Kuca has credited much of her passion for teaching to the relationships she has built within the school community. She tells us what her favorite part about being a teacher is.
“The kids for sure, but here at Park, the SUCCEED department, they’re like my second family so that’s an added bonus,” said Ms. Kuca.
