A Class Act: Two Class of 2024 Graduates Named Outstanding Beginning Teachers

Recent graduates Shelby Kurtz ’24 and Madisyn Lenk ’24 (above) dashed from the classroom to the College for special recognition as Outstanding Beginning Teachers during a festive end-of-year education celebration at 4 p.m. on April 24 in the Hermann Lounge.

The informally named “Education Happy Hour” was just that: 60 minutes of immense happiness for all Westminster young educators such as Lenk and Kurtz, who were previously recognized by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) Conference on Feb. 17 in Columbia.

The two young professionals were among 59 first-year teachers throughout the state to receive Outstanding Beginning Teacher recognition. Awardees were nominated by their affiliated colleges and universities and endorsed by the school principals where the educators currently teach.

Lenk is a fourth grade teacher at Boone Elementary School in Troy, while Kurtz serves as a ninth grade social studies teacher at Fulton High School.

Dr. Sarah Hairston, Assistant Professor of Education, recalled what Lenk was like in class: a “quiet, super-dependable leader.” She added that Lenk was warmly endorsed by Dr. Al Slusser, Boone Elementary principal, who was unable to attend the event.

“He spoke about her brilliance in the classroom, her abilities with classroom management and how Madi really understands how to engage her students,” Hairston reflected.

Kati Boland, Fulton High School principal, attended the Education Happy Hour to express her admiration of Kurtz.

“Engagement and reflection are a part of who Shelby is … she’s a great role model in the classroom as well as out of the classroom,” Boland said, noting that Kurtz’s enthusiasm will be put to good use this summer in a new program the high school is launching.

“So we appreciate that she’s a good sport,” Boland added with a smile.

Kurtz is among six Westminster graduates/graduating seniors who have received Grow Your Own grants through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Two of those recipients were announced this spring (read more here). Through the program, high-quality education graduates are guaranteed teaching jobs in rural Missouri schools.

Together, Kurtz, Lenk and virtually all Westminster education graduates represent what Hairston refers to as “Hometown Heroes”: dedicated educators who offer energy and enthusiasm to Missouri or other communities.

She said, “It’s especially rewarding to see graduates such as Madi and Shelby working in and near Westminster, essentially giving back within the community that supported them. And it’s really exciting to see them blossom as teachers.”

Education majors from Westminster typically receive job offers well before graduation because of their strong educational foundation and classroom preparation skills. Learn more about the College’s education program on Westminster’s website.