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Since 1977, Gaye Breegle has been helping her students learn, and enjoy the material, through an active approach.
Her teaching style resonates with her students so much so, that she has been named an A+ Teacher for the second time, first taking the honor in 2009. She's now in the A+ Teacher Hall of Fame and is ineligible to win again.
"It's very endearing," she said. "I love doing this. I love interacting with them. I love their joy."
Student Skylar Lewis nominated Breegle, a science teacher at Niles Middle School, praising her patience and creative teaching method.
"In my opinion, she just has a different teaching style but I think her style truly helps you become better at the subject," Skylar wrote.
Her science lab is filled with student-made posters and experiments. To get students comfortable working in groups, she kicks off each year with a team-building exercise.
This helps students learn about each other as well as Breegle learning how the students communicate.
She's led her 5,000 students over the years by example.
When Breegle was in fifth grade, her teacher, Ms. Hammond, treated her as a person and not just a student. That resonated with Breegle.
Through her school years she had a handful of other teachers who made lasting impressions on her, and now she's treating her students with the same respect and grace she was shown.
Since 1991, the awards program has shone a light on local teachers.
This year, more than 300 nominations were received for the A+ Teacher award, sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle. Partners in the program include Trumbull County Retired Teachers Association, Trumbull County Educational Service Center and Outback Steakhouse. Covelli Enterprises also provides support.
This year's 10 recipients will receive a dinner at Outback Steakhouse as well as a personalized award.
"Teachers play a pivotal role in the education and success of their students," Sue Shafer, Tribune Chronicle community events coordinator, said. "As adults, many of us remember one or more teachers who made an impact in our lives but most of us have not stopped to thank them."
This awards program provides an opportunity for students and parents to give a "thanks" to teachers, letting them know they're appreciated, Shafer said.
A common thread with not only the finalists but most A+ nominations, was how kind the students described their teachers to be.
Brookfield High School student Alyvia Carpec said her A+ Teacher, Ken Iser, "makes the days better."
"I think Iser teaches very well and he helps everyone; he's friendly," Alyvia wrote of her history teacher.
She also said that Iser's passion for the subject translates into his teaching.
He "knows what he's doing, talking about and talks a lot about" aspects of history he's interested in, Alyvia wrote.
Another teacher who has instilled curiosity in his students is A+ Teacher Jeff Mortiz at Champion Central Elementary School.
Raymond and Jennifer Soloman, parents of Raymond, have noticed Moritz's way of teaching has impacted their son with a subject not everyone enjoys -- math.
"Mr. Moritz has fostered a love of math in Raymond, has enabled him to strengthen his mathematical skills, and as a result, helped him to develop strong confidence in the subject."
Mortiz's "laid-back" personality and sense of humor have helped Raymond thrive in first grade, his parents wrote.
Also helping students develop confidence is McDonald High School A+ Teacher Louis Domitrovitch.
Elias Tingler nominated the English teacher, writing Domitrovitch's class is a student favorite.
"Not only does Mr. D. teach English, which he does an amazing job with, he also teaches me the most life lessons," Elias wrote. "I have used Mr. D.'s words and advice and life lessons in my life."
Kindness and compassion helped Niles Intermediate School student Mya Kennedy through a difficult time.
Following her father's death in July 2021, Mya was discussing what happened with a teacher. Later that day, her mother received an email from A+ Teacher Anna Ratliff.
"I looked down at my phone to see the email from Mrs. Ratliff. Attached was a picture with the caption, "We've got your girl," Mya's mom wrote on the nomination form."That's when I knew my daughter was in great hands."
The rest of the Class of 2024 are:
• Alaine Landers, Trumbull County Technical Center;
• Melissa Rentz, Warren G. Harding High School;
• Brandy Scarmack, Warren G. Harding High School;
• Kimberly Baker, Willard PK-8;
• Cheryl Smith, Brookfield High School
Have an interesting story? Contact Ashley Fox by email at afox@tribtoday.com. Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @TribToday.