Winning New York Lottery's/ WLNY-TV 55 "Educator of the Week" Award was a true honor for Woodland Elementary School kindergarten teacher Linda Fuchs. But after teaching in the Hicksville School District for 29 years, her dream was realized seeing the first full-day kindergarten classes enter the elementary building this past September.

Implementing full-day kindergarten in the Hicksville School District, she says, "allows more time for students to read, more time to write, and more time to grow. This past year has been my dream come true."

Woodland Elementary School Principal Kathy Catania was instrumental in nominating Fuchs for this award. "Our new full-day Kindergarten program is off to a wonderful start due in large part to the work of Mrs. Linda Fuchs," said Catania. "She had been the only full-time kindergarten teacher with two half-day classes. Mrs. Fuchs also gives freely of her time to mentor two new kindergarten teachers this year."

About winning the award, Fuchs said, "It is an honor to win this award, but I am more honored that the principal felt I was worthy enough to be nominated."

Fuchs' career began as a school nurse in the district nearly 30 years ago. She has taught throughout the district and was instrumental in instituting the "Growing Healthy Program," which is currently implemented into the curriculum. Approximately 12 years ago, Fuchs began teaching kindergarten. "I love being a teacher, it is a wonderful and rewarding experience to watch the children grow," she said. "In only nine months, you see such amazing progress. It truly is unbelievable."

Over the years, Fuchs has used unique and interesting teaching techniques including teaching with a theme, singing to students, special arts and crafts projects, and she believes in a hands-on teaching approach. Fuchs likes the children to have fun, while always learning a skill.

Fuchs' advice for new teachers is to try to work with someone, be willing and not be afraid to ask questions and try new things. She credits most of her knowledge to learning from other good teachers over the years.

"She is not only an exciting teacher of children, but an accomplished teacher of teachers," said Catania. "Mrs. Fuchs has been a wonderfully effective kindergarten teacher for many years. She is extremely deserving of this honor. We are so fortunate to have her here at Woodland."

The New York Lottery and local television stations developed the "Educator of the Week" award to honor teachers/educators across the state. The New York Lottery "Educator of the Week" promotion recognizes excellence in teaching, encourages creative and quality instruction and honors those educators who continuously put the educational and developmental needs of their students first.