Marli fits the description of an exceptionally skilled, dedicated, and inspirational teacher perfectly. In her classroom, students engage in meaningful learning experiences that challenge and excite them. Some student favorites include Native American projects, How-To Presentations, and Wax Museum biography research projects.
Her top priority is always what’s best for students. She is dedicated to the MTSS model, planning and preparing individualized instructions for as many as 7 or 8 different small groups. She provides the required support for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students while also offering enrichment to those who need it. Students in Marli’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups consistently move out of those lower tiers after receiving instruction from her. She is proof that fidelity to this model works and justifies the time and resources invested in it.
Marli not only takes care of 5th grade but also willingly shares her educational expertise with any coworkers needing assistance, inspiration, or clarification.
Beyond the classroom, Marli is an irreplaceable part of our school family. She is a natural leader who embodies the phrase “see a need, fill a need.” If there is something to be done, Marli is on it. She is always willing to listen to school-related problems and help develop solutions that satisfy everyone involved. Furthermore, she is always available to anyone who needs a listening ear for whatever challenges they are facing in life.
Marli commands immense respect and admiration from students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. Parents particularly appreciate her respectful treatment of students, her high expectations, her communication with families, and her ability to help students flourish. Administrators echo these sentiments. Marli pours her heart and soul into her students, her school, and this district.
Jordan currently directs four classes of band students at CMS and CHS, and has also directed beginners at CBE in previous years. Jordan’s high school program offers four major components beyond the traditional concert band experience: marching band, drum line, jazz band, and color guard. These components require numerous hours outside the normal school day to succeed; it is safe to say that Jordan works year-round to lead our Circle students to excellence in music interpretation and performance.
Jordan selects and supports student leadership roles for those needing an extra challenge, such as section leaders, drum majors, and the TriM Music Honor Society. He gives his students opportunities to improve their music and ensemble skills, from college-level honor band events in the fall semester to solo and ensemble festivals in the spring. He also includes former students and current music professionals in his summer camps, school performances, and special events like Night of Jazz, to demonstrate that music can be a lifelong pursuit.
Jordan is always available to assist with questions or concerns from elementary band teachers and brings all the 6th-grade band students together for a district-wide concert in February each year. This event helps 6th graders get to know each other and encourages them to continue with band at the secondary level. In PLC discussions about Essential Learnings, Jordan leads the team in considering K-12 connections and ways to provide remediation and enrichment at every level of music instruction.
He also focuses on his professional growth, frequently inviting clinicians from other high schools and colleges to his classroom to critique both his teaching and his students’ performance. Jordan has hosted several student teachers over the last five years and works closely with them to ensure their success after college.
Jordan works to involve the Circle community in his band program, evident in the events he plans and carries out, such as the Bucket Drumming night for elementary students, the Night of Jazz concert at the CHS amphitheater, and the end-of-year event at Stearman’s Field in Benton. Jordan often advocates for his program by requesting community donations and recruiting and utilizing parent volunteers in the Band Parent Council. Our school board recently approved the purchase of new marching band uniforms after Jordan promoted the need for them. He has shown good stewardship in organizing and storing the uniforms properly and setting up an efficient check-out/check-in system for students.
Jordan makes a point to connect with the students on a personal level, creating a positive and encouraging environment in the band. He exemplifies to his co-workers how to build and maintain positive relationships, as many of his students are in his band classroom for six years and thrive both musically and relationally under his leadership.