An image celebrating Kristin Kolodziej as the Critical Thinking Employee of the Year for Mannheim School District 83.  The graphic features a green and white color scheme with the following text: "WE83 APPRECIATE YOU | MANNHEIM SCHOOL DISTRICT 83 | Critical Thinking Employee of the Year | Kristin Kolodziej | Differentiation Specialist | Scott School." Below this, a caption reads: "Kristin is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who objectively analyzes challenges and drives meaningful, student-centered solutions."  To the right, a photo shows Kristin Kolodziej holding an award certificate while standing next to a man in a suit. The school district's logo is visible in the bottom left corner.

We are excited to recognize Kristin Kolodziej, Differentiation Specialist at Scott School, as our We83™ Appreciate You - Critical Thinking Employee of the Year!

Across her various roles over the years, Kristin has consistently been described as a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Colleagues shared that she helps others think about lessons, students, and situations from multiple perspectives in ways that foster growth and positive change. Her leadership in MTSS meetings was highlighted for intentionally bringing all stakeholders together to collaboratively identify areas of need and develop meaningful, student-centered supports for students and families. Nominators also emphasized her ability to calmly and objectively analyze complex situations, offer thoughtful and well-reasoned recommendations, and provide support that is always grounded in the best interests of students. Kristin’s professionalism, approachability, and deep understanding of the work at Scott make her a trusted teacher leader and an invaluable support to both staff and students.

As part of our Strategic Plan’s Staff Portrait, Critical Thinking is demonstrated through analyzing situations, evaluating information objectively, and making well-informed decisions to enhance problem-solving. This recognition reflects what members of our Mannheim community have shared about Kristin through their nominations.

In addition, we would like to recognize the following staff members as Honorable Mention recipients for the Critical Thinking attribute. These individuals were also nominated by members of our Mannheim community:

Alix Fron - Teacher - Math @MMS

Tom Herion - Principal @MMS

Norma Landa - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @Enger

Amber Lechman - Teacher - Instructional Coach @MECC

Jessica Luciani - Teacher - Speech & Lang. Path. @MMS

Mary Alice McNeice - Teacher - Speech & Lang. Path. @Roy

Jim Meske - Teacher - Music - Vocal @Westdale

Doris Nicolalde - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @Enger

Jannette Rodriguez - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @MECC

Marcy Rossi - Teacher - Instructional Coach @Enger

Teuta Verria - Classroom Aide - Sp. Ed. @Enger

These staff members, along with many others across our District, consistently demonstrate strong critical thinking in their daily work. Their ability to thoughtfully analyze situations, collaborate with others, and make sound decisions has a meaningful impact on students, colleagues, and our school communities, and they deserve to be recognized for those contributions.

Congratulations to Kristin and everyone nominated for their Critical Thinking!