SCC’s Kara Kraft honored as Outstanding Educator
SCC Kindergarten Teacher Kara Kraft with her Outstanding Educator Award gifts. Kraft received a BÉIS tote bag filled with goodies and a $500 check from McLaughlin Family Companies. (Photo courtesy of SCC Elementary.)
By Cassandra Kyser
Earlier this month, Kindergarten Teacher Kara Kraft received an Outstanding Educator Award by McLaughlin Family Companies.
Kraft had no idea she won the award, and was surprised and even a little emotional when a McLaughlin representative presented her with the award during the school day.
“I was honored to receive a BÉIS bag with all kinds of amazing goodies. Inside was a water bottle, notepad and pen, a $500 check, a teacher survival kit, and more,” said Kraft, who has taught at SCC since the fall of 2017.
Reflecting on her career, Kraft said, “Teaching kindergarten means wearing many hats — educator, encourager, storyteller, nurse, and sometimes even detective. But above all, it means helping shape kind, curious, and confident young learners.”
“Each day brings discovery, laughter, and growth — not just for my students, but for me as well. Their curiosity, eagerness to learn, and sense of wonder over even the smallest things remind me to slow down and enjoy the moment.”
She added, “For many, kindergarten is their first step into the world of school, and I'm grateful to help lay that foundation.”
“I love introducing them to routines, teaching them how to read and solve word problems, doing crafts, and showing them the joy of learning and being part of a classroom community. Watching their progress, both academically and emotionally, is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
Prior to working at SCC, Kraft spent six years teaching at Odebolt Arthur Battle Creek Ida Grove Community School District (OABCIG).
With headquarters in Scranton, Iowa, McLaughlin Family Companies is family-owned and operates several businesses in the manufacturing industries. The company accepts nominations from the public for its annual Outstanding Educator Awards. Kraft was nominated by the Redenius family.
This year, several teachers in Mississippi and Iowa were Outstanding Educator Award recipients.
Other teachers honored in Iowa included Rylee Ludwig at Carroll Middle School, Dayton Ross at Carroll Adams Elementary, Heather Foote at Greene County Middle School, Breely Cleveland at Fairview Elementary, Hayley Paup and Libby Towers at Paton-Churdan Elementary, Marissa Dembinski at Coon Rapids-Bayard, Wade Adcock at Green County High School, and Summer Boes at Glidden-Raltson Community School and Paton-Churdan Community School.
When asked what Kraft likes the most about teaching kindergarteners, she said, “Their honesty and big emotions make every day unique. Whether they're beaming with pride over a drawing or need a little comfort after a tough moment, they constantly teach me patience, compassion, and perspective.”
“They inspire me, ground me, and fill my days with joy and laughter — and plenty of stories to smile about.”