Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Sheffield Area Elementary School third-grade teacher Jennifer Check (right) accepts the Lauretta Woodson Award from Warren-Forest Chapter Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees representative Gloria Werner at Monday’s Warren County School District board meeting.

When Lauretta Woodson established funding to recognize teachers, Jennifer Check was the kind of teacher she had in mind.

Gloria Werner, representing the Warren-Forest Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees presented the Woodson Award to Check, a third-grade teacher at Sheffield Area Elementary School, on Monday at the regular meeting of the Warren County School District board.

“Lauretta Woodson started her career as a high school English teacher,” Werner said.

She went on to teach at Temple University and was “very active in PASR.”

“She left a fund to continue this award,” Werner said.

The award recognizes the educator who demonstrates “creativity, initiative, and productivity relative to the learning process and growth of children,” she said.

This year, that teacher is Check.

She is more than just an elementary classroom teacher.

Werner said Check was nominated by District Coordinator of Technology Jen Dilks, who has worked with Check on numerous occasions on theatrical productions including the All-County Musical.

Check has been the director of the musicals since 2009.

Dilks cited those “phenomenal productions” for helping to bring together students from all over the county and fostering a love of theater in students who have gone on to study theater in college, perform locally, and to move into careers in the theater.

Superintendent Amy Stewart also praised Check’s efforts.

“Our quality of productions for the All-County Musical are unparalleled,” Stewart said. “In her classroom, those kids get a unique experience, too.”