The Wilson School’s Technology Coordinator, Mrs. Melika Panneri, was honored this week with a 2015 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. One hundred and two local educators were celebrated during an awards ceremony and reception at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, November 22.
 
Mrs. Panneri was nominated for her work in technology integration at Wilson. Specifically, she collaborates closely with classroom teachers and specialists in all subject areas, including science, math, the arts and the humanities to introduce technology when and where it is needed to enhance children’s learning experiences.
 
“Our ability to integrate technology into our classes and curriculum has been so successful because our teachers are ready and willing to try new things,” she explains.  “They work with me on new ideas as well as enhancing projects that are already in place. My mantra I share with them is that we are only limited by our imaginations.”
 
Mrs. Panneri’s enthusiasm for technology is catching to faculty and students alike. Recently, she teamed up with Science Teacher, Dr. Angie Zinkl to help students learn about the Periodic Table of Elements. In this project, students researched an element and built a 3-D superhero based on at least five of its physical and chemical properties and uses in the world. They were then challenged to depict the superhero, explaining the chemistry behind his/her powers, in a short film that they created and shared with the class and on the school’s intranet.
 
“We are thrilled with the opportunities that our students are afforded in all areas of study because of Mrs. Panneri and her close partnership with the faculty,” says Wilson’s Head of School, Thad Falkner. “Her passion and dedication to preparing our students for the world ahead is inspiring. We are very proud of her for receiving this honor.”
 
The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program began in 1989 and is sponsored annually by Emerson, a diversified global manufacturer and technology leader headquartered in St. Louis.