Rockwood Educator Earns 'Key to the Classroom' Recognition from Special School District

Crestview Middle special education teacher Sandra Smallenberger is one of 10 recipients of this year's Key to the Classroom award from the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County.

The Key to the Classroom award honors classroom teachers for their exceptional skill, dedication and learning success with students. The qualities sought in teachers for this award reflect those required for Missouri Teacher of the Year. These teachers are often the key to learning for their students and are resourceful in finding ways to reach students of all abilities and backgrounds.

Smallenberger and her fellow award recipients are now also under consideration for the SSD Teacher of the Year award.

"Sandra Smallenberger brings creativity, passion and dedication to her middle school math classroom, where she focuses on teaching functional math skills that prepare students for real-world success," Crestview special education teacher Sharon Woehrle said in an SSD release. "One standout example of her innovative approach is 'Recipe Fridays,' where students apply lessons on measurements, following directions and multistep instructions to create recipes together. This hands-on experience reinforces math concepts and equips students with essential life skills. Beyond the classroom, she co-founded KUDOS (Kids Understanding Differences and Overcoming Stereotypes), an after-school club that fosters meaningful friendships between typically developing students and those with varying abilities, promoting inclusion and mutual respect. Her multisensory teaching strategies ensure every student is engaged, while her commitment to differentiated instruction allows each learner to thrive at their own pace. Sandra’s dedication extends to supporting students' families, connecting them with vital community resources to ensure stability and well-being. Through her leadership in initiatives like Special Olympics and her mentoring of new teachers, she has created an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers both students and colleagues to succeed."