Teacher Spotlight: Cheri Andrews

teacher Cheri Andrews was named Educator of the Month for February through the . Andrews tells us a little about herself in the Q&A below, and colleagues also offered their reactions.

Name: Cheri Andrews
Hometown: North Canton
Family: Married to Chris; three sons, Jon, Matt and Michael, all graduates
Education: Graduated from the University of Akron with a B.A. in education

North Canton Patch: How did you get into teaching?

Cheri Andrews: I did a field experience during my high school years in a special education elementary classroom and really enjoyed working with the children. That helped me decide to major in education in college.

North Canton Patch: Who do you find inspiration in?

Andrews: My parents were my inspiration growing up. My mother earned two master's degrees and her PhD in nursing all while working full time and raising a family. My father's love of life and sense of humor enriched my life. My inspiration today are my former students that have found success in career and family.

North Canton Patch: I'm sure you come across a lot of interesting things teaching here in North Canton. What's the funniest, most interesting or embarrassing thing you've experienced in class?

Andrews: My most embarrassing moment was the day that we celebrated a teacher's birthday with cake and candles. Someone smelled the candles in the hallway and called the fire department.

North Canton Patch: What do you love most about teaching?

Andrews: I love that every day is an adventure in teaching.

North Canton Patch: What qualities do you think make a good educator?

Andrews: Patience and humor are great qualities for a teacher.

Orchard Hill Principal Renee Manse sent along these comments from Andrews' colleagues:

"Excellent choice! Glad to see that. Some things on Cheri: All through her chemo therapy, one would never know what stress she was going through. She was her funny, jovial self the entire two years. Her attitude was incredible, and her sense of humor was as strong as ever. I never, and I mean NEVER, heard her complain once about the ordeal she was going through. It made me think twice about complaining over unimportant things. I felt like I was a better person when I was around her. She asked for nothing, yet appreciated our support." — Tracy Young

"It certainly would be difficult if we had to put into “50 words or less” why Cheri is deserving of the Teacher of the Month award. She is my personal hero and no doubt the hero to every other staff member you might ask. Her personal challenges have not impeded her ability to do her job. She has remained tough and upbeat and continues to do her job without skipping a beat! She is loyal, funny, happy, upbeat, tough, and a true champion of the underdog. She is not afraid to make decisions, whether it might be unpopular or if she’s in the minority. This applies not only to her students, but to the staff and her friends.  I’m proud that she considers me a good friend! Thanks for asking for our input!" — Marilyn Mundorf

About the award: 

The North Canton Area Chamber/Westfield Bank monthly “Educator of the Month” award honors a North Canton City Schools staff member who exemplifies excellence in education in their interaction with students, parents and other staff members.

During the course of the 2011-2012 award cycle one person from each of the district’s seven buildings will be honored. The Chamber has partnered with Westfield Bank and the  on the project. Each monthly winner will receive a plaque and a Starbucks gift basket, which includes a copy of CEO Howard Schultz’ "Onward" book. Schultz initiated Starbucks’ “Empowering Educators” program to highlight educators and school systems making a difference in the lives of their students and communities.