Contributed AWARDED — Cross Creek Elementary teacher Rebecca Canestraro was among 50 educators honored during the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools’ Outstanding Elementary Teacher Recognition Ceremony in Cambridge and was highlighted for her work with remote students during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian Creek Local School District. Shown are, from left, Interim Dean Sara Helfrich with the Patton College of Education at Ohio University; Indian Creek Superintendent T.C. Chappelear; Canestraro; Cross Creek Principal Nicole McDonald and Ohio Sen. Jay Hottinger, R-31st District.

WINTERSVILLE — Cross Creek Elementary teacher Rebecca Canestraro’s efforts in the classroom have earned her honors from one state organization.

Canestraro was named Outstanding Elementary Teacher for the Indian Creek School District by the Coalition of Ohio Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS). She was among 50 educators recognized during a ceremony at the Pritchard Laughlin Center in Cambridge on Feb. 22 and said she was humbled by the distinction.

“It was truly an honor to receive such a recognition. I believe all educators are deserving of such honors, given the challenges we’ve faced the last three years. We’ve had to adapt our instruction to best meet the needs of our students,” she commented. “To receive this honor, after completing a year of remote learning and now returning to a classroom, has left me feeling great pride in the accomplishments my students have made when faced with such unique learning situations.”

The Wintersville native spent eight years teaching in the Buckeye Local School District before returning to her alma mater, where she has instructed third-grade students at Wintersville Elementary and now works with second-graders at Cross Creek. Canestraro said she was inspired to teach by the educators who came before her.

“The excellent teachers I had throughout my childhood instilled a love for learning within me. Those teachers became my influence for wanting to share my passion and knowledge with students,” she added and also credited others for her success. “Teaching is truly a team effort. I would not be the educator I am today without the mentors and teammates I have had collaborating, teaching and sharing with me in various schools I’ve had the fortune to teach in throughout the years. While I am honored to receive this award, I know it would not have been possible without the knowledge and support of those amazing teachers who continue to share their knowledge with students throughout the county.”

Principal Dr. Nicole McDonald praised Canestraro’s abilities to inspire and prepare children despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“Rebecca was nominated for outstanding and innovative teaching during the pandemic. Rebecca taught third-grade using innovative technology strategies to reach students who chose remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year,” Dr. McDonald added. “She continues to provide engaging face-to-face teaching strategies to address learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”