SDAMLE OMLE
South Dakota Association for Middle Level Education Outstanding Middle Level Educator
"Teaching is the greatest act of optimism." - Colleen Wilcox
It should be noted that anyone teaching middle school students must be optimistic...or at least have a good sense of humor. Ruth Bordewyk possesses both traits.
Ruth Bordewyk, originally from Sioux Falls, SD, has been an educator for 15 years. She currently teaches 7th grade ELA and Literature at O'Gorman Junior High. She received her Bachelor's Degree (2004) from Northern State University and her Master's Degree (2006) from the University of South Dakota.
In addition to teaching ELA and Literature, it is also her goal to prepare her students for the challenges of the future. When it came time to choose a career, she went to Northern State University specifically because she knew it had a strong teaching program. It was somewhat daunting to learn that the skills needed for future careers were not what she predicted (technology, math, science). According to indeed.com, "18 Future Skills for the Workplace", future jobs will need people with skills in "...analytical thinking, active learning, complex problem-solving, and communication...." There is no question that reading, writing, and articulating one's thoughts are necessary for any future.
Credit must be given to the staff of O'Gorman Junior High for producing a rich environment for learning. Not only does this school produce outstanding students (National Blue Ribbon 2019) but the staff is one of the reasons that Ruth strives to be the best teacher she can be. "This staff is exceptional, and it's humbling to be even nominated for the Outstanding Middle Level Educator knowing that I'm surrounded by such intelligent, caring, and innovative teachers."
Ruth is also thankful that her family strengthens her passion for teaching. Ruth's husband, Wyatt, works for SAB Biotherapeutics. They have three children, Charlotte, 8, Leo, 6, and Quentin, 4. Ruth loves reading, spending time with her family, and learning new skills.
"Mrs. Bordewyk is an outstanding educator! Day in and day out, she brings a positive attitude and has a smile on her face. She is a progressive teacher who is highly organized and brings a tremendous amount of energy to the classroom each day. She cares SO much about her students and the progress they make academically. Her students routinely score well on standardized testing (ELA/Reading). Beyond that, students know when they enter Mrs. Bordewyk's classroom, that it will be a fun atmosphere and one that promotes student participation. In her classroom, you can routinely observe her utilizing formative assessment in which students are working together to check for understanding and to think creatively to solve problems. I cannot think of a more deserving teacher for such an award!" - Wade Charron OGJH Principal
It should be noted that anyone teaching middle school students must be optimistic...or at least have a good sense of humor. Ruth Bordewyk possesses both traits.
Ruth Bordewyk, originally from Sioux Falls, SD, has been an educator for 15 years. She currently teaches 7th grade ELA and Literature at O'Gorman Junior High. She received her Bachelor's Degree (2004) from Northern State University and her Master's Degree (2006) from the University of South Dakota.
In addition to teaching ELA and Literature, it is also her goal to prepare her students for the challenges of the future. When it came time to choose a career, she went to Northern State University specifically because she knew it had a strong teaching program. It was somewhat daunting to learn that the skills needed for future careers were not what she predicted (technology, math, science). According to indeed.com, "18 Future Skills for the Workplace", future jobs will need people with skills in "...analytical thinking, active learning, complex problem-solving, and communication...." There is no question that reading, writing, and articulating one's thoughts are necessary for any future.
Credit must be given to the staff of O'Gorman Junior High for producing a rich environment for learning. Not only does this school produce outstanding students (National Blue Ribbon 2019) but the staff is one of the reasons that Ruth strives to be the best teacher she can be. "This staff is exceptional, and it's humbling to be even nominated for the Outstanding Middle Level Educator knowing that I'm surrounded by such intelligent, caring, and innovative teachers."
Ruth is also thankful that her family strengthens her passion for teaching. Ruth's husband, Wyatt, works for SAB Biotherapeutics. They have three children, Charlotte, 8, Leo, 6, and Quentin, 4. Ruth loves reading, spending time with her family, and learning new skills.
"Mrs. Bordewyk is an outstanding educator! Day in and day out, she brings a positive attitude and has a smile on her face. She is a progressive teacher who is highly organized and brings a tremendous amount of energy to the classroom each day. She cares SO much about her students and the progress they make academically. Her students routinely score well on standardized testing (ELA/Reading). Beyond that, students know when they enter Mrs. Bordewyk's classroom, that it will be a fun atmosphere and one that promotes student participation. In her classroom, you can routinely observe her utilizing formative assessment in which students are working together to check for understanding and to think creatively to solve problems. I cannot think of a more deserving teacher for such an award!" - Wade Charron OGJH Principal