Influencer of the Week: Kristin Abel, Lake Whitney Elementary

As the reading coach, instructional coach and a dean at Lake Whitney Elementary School, Kristin Abel wears many hats. Abel was recently named Lake Whitney’s Teacher of the Year, and Principal Elizabeth Prince said Abel is representative of the dedicated and high level of professionalism that LWES teachers and staff share. School Clerk Karen Hewett added that Abel is is kind, considerate and an all-around team player, and that LWES is lucky to have her on its team. 

What do you love most about your school?

I love the hard-working staff and the amazing students.

What's your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is working in small groups with students and working with teachers to encourage them to keep making a difference with our students.

What made you want to take on this job?

Mrs. Prince, our principal — she is an amazing leader and I wanted to work with her.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

I am motivated by the teachers I work with — they continue to push me to be the best coac and dean I can be.

What's the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

There are so many! A very special one was when I was voted Teacher of the Year — that was such an honor.

What is the coolest place you have visited and why?

I have visited Trinidad to attend a close friend's wedding. We went to the wedding over Thanksgiving break and in Trinidad, they don't celebrate Thanksgiving. So when we were there, the entire area we were visiting was already decorated for Christmas!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want the ability to be a very fast worker — super speed at getting my work done in a fast way!

Do you have any pets? What kind, and what are their names?

I have a golden retriever named Annie. She is a therapy dog and volunteers at Orlando Health and Orlando International Airport

If you could see any musician, band or artist live, who would it be and why?

I would want to see James Taylor. He has been a favorite of mine since I was in high school. I love his music

What is the best advice you’ve been given, or your favorite mantra or quote to live by?

My favorite quote is, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." That is a quote by Aristotle.

What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time?

I enjoy taking walks with my dog and my husband. I also like reading children's books and swimming in my pool — when it is warm!