This is the nominee's first year at her current school. I actually co-teach mathematics with her and I am so impressed with her dedication that I needed to nominate her. She is constantly thinking of her students first and how to best teach those kids. However, she is also a sharer. She is open to providing ideas to her teammates (a team of 6 first grade teachers.) At the same time, if she has a question she is not afraid to ask. So many new teachers don't ask, or pretend like they know it all. When I had a class assignment for graduate school, she was willing to work with me as we did a focus lesson for my class while using her students for my data. She works well with parents and communicates often with them. Kristine does not have a closed door, she is open to any visitors. Principals, co-teachers (like myself), parents, and so on are often seen visiting her room. She has a cousin of one student doing her classroom observations for her undergrad. Kristine did not blink an eye and welcomed her into her room for observations. I hope she stays at my school for a long time. She is definately making a difference for these students and fellow collegues; she is a keeper.