Hamilton teacher’s efforts increasing student proficiency earn award

Hamilton elementary teacher Ann Kraemer brought the world to her students and then she brought home a prestigious state award for her efforts.

Kraemer, who teaches social studies at Hamilton City Schools’ Riverview Elementary, was recently announced as the winner of 2017 Ohio Council for the Social Studies Outstanding Teacher for elementary grades.

A 25-year veteran of the Butler County city’s school district, Kraemer’s teaching methods were fueled by her passion for social studies, which includes studying foreign countries, and her desire to make learning fun for youngsters.

And it worked.

In the school’s previous year under a different teacher, only 17 percent of the sixth grade Riverview students scored proficient or higher in state-mandated social studies testing.

After one year under Kraemer’s tutelage, 75 percent of students scored proficient or higher.

Kraemer, a native of the city, is only the second teacher from the 10,000-student district to ever win the award, and Hamilton Schools Superintendent Tony Orr took notice.

“Ann Kraemer reminds us all that a teacher can make a difference. The Hamilton Schools are exceptionally proud of her efforts,” he said.

Kraemer modestly defers the credit to a team of teachers and classroom assistants who have helped her.

“I love social studies,” she said. “It is by far my favorite (subject). I try and instill a love for it in the students as well. When they like what they are learning about, it makes it easier and more interesting.”

“I’m very proud with what I accomplished with my team. I couldn’t have done this without my team,” said Kraemer.

Riverview Principal Josh Margerum nominated Kraemer for the state honor and described the teacher as “a champion of informed instructional practice.”

“Kraemer is a leader in teacher based team meetings and provided relevant data to affect the success of her students. She then continuously tracks students’ improvement and gets results,” said Margerum.

“Kraemer’s students work hard for her for one simple reason — it is clear that she would move mountains for them,” he said. “She does not teach students how to do well on a test, she prepares them for the challenges that life will bring them.”

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