Congratulations to Cari Bodily, Millville Elementary School’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year!
Determined to make learning hands-on and fun, Cari Bodily, Millville Elementary School’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year, has transformed her second-grade class into a hard-working, inclusive pirate crew.
“Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking we can either work hard or have fun, but we can’t do both at the same time. But you can do both - you can work hard and have fun at the same time,” Bodily expressed. “And one way to do that is hands-on learning. It reaches more kids, it’s more engaging and practical, and it’s easier to see why you’re doing what you’re doing. It touches on all learning styles.”
Bodily picks a theme for her classroom each year, giving students classroom jobs and challenging them to achieve a quest through different learning activities and goals. Bodily has noticed that when she creates a fun, hands-on learning environment, her students are happier to be at school and more excited about learning. She’s also noticed that students are more inclusive of others and her classroom has a more positive, engaged feeling.
Throughout her 22 years in education, Bodily has taught in various positions. She taught first, second, third, and fifth grade, and has also worked as a reading aid, gifted and talented aid, music teacher, and English teacher.
No matter what age or subject she teaches, Bodily’s core passions and beliefs guide her decisions and how she structures her classroom. “There are a lot of things I’m passionate about in my classroom. For example, I’m passionate about helping kids discover that problems have solutions and choices have good and bad consequences,” Bodily explained. “I always want to remember that if I’m developing gracious human beings, those are really important skills.”
She continued, “I’m also passionate about inclusion and educational opportunities for traditionally underserved populations. I want to make my classroom a home. I believe there’s a lot you can do with kids if they are comfortable in your classroom and it’s a space where they belong. You have to build a climate where people feel like they want to be there.”
According to Millville Elementary School Principal Brady Johnson, Bodily’s love for students and passion for education make her classroom one that students are drawn to and excited to learn in. “There are several things that make Mrs. Bodily deserving of this award,” Johnson explained. “First and foremost, Cari loves her students, and they know it. She will never give up on students and advocates for them in any way she can. Her classroom is such a fun place to be! Her students are excited to be there and are always engaged in learning. Finally, Mrs. Bodiy has a thirst for knowledge and is constantly studying ways to improve her craft. Cari’s love for her students, tireless efforts to improve her craft, and endless creativity in the classroom make her an excellent choice for Millville Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.”