For the past 25 years, Ann Pendley has been able to call Rosehill Elementary School in Lenexa, Kansas home. She’s graciously worked with children as young as three-years-old, all the way up to 6th graders as a speech language pathologist.
“I work with students who have speech, language, and communication disorders that may affect how they talk, learn and participate in their classrooms,” said Pendley. “I support children with hearing impairments, neurodivergent students, and students with a variety of developmental learning and communication differences.”
Throughout the years, Pendley has celebrated countless accomplishments, victories, and triumphs with her students. One moment that stands out to her was when she continually worked with a student on word pronunciation and was able to help her say “mama” to her mother over the phone for the first time.
“The best part about educating the youth is seeing the excitement on a student’s face when they are able to clearly communicate their thoughts, wants and ideas to their friends, teachers and families,” said Pendley. “I also love seeing how proud parents become when they realize how much progress their child has made with their language and speech.”
Rosehill Elementary instills core values such as honesty, kindness and respect. Pendley mirrors that in her classroom and has constructed a warm, inviting and comfortable place that helps put students in the correct mindset to focus and maximize their opportunities.
“I would describe my teaching styles as laid-back, relaxed and approachable,” said Pendley. “I like to create a low-stress environment where students feel comfortable being who they are, asking questions, and making memories. I form positive relationships with all of my students to show them that they’re always supported.”
One of Pendley’s pieces of advice is that she continually reminds her students that every step, no matter how small, is bringing them closer to their overall goals. She tells them to always try their best, celebrate their daily progress, and be proud of their individual accomplishments.
“At the beginning of each new school year, I like to challenge my older students by telling them if they work very hard, this may be the year they get to ‘graduate’ from speech,” said Pendley. “It’s bittersweet when they reach their goals and no longer need speech-language therapy because I will miss them so much, but I am also beyond proud of their accomplishments.”
The collection of friends, educators, and community members that Pendley has formed lasting relationships with at Rosehill for the past two-and-a-half decades hasn’t gone unnoticed and plays a massive factor in her readiness, preparedness, and approach to each day she enters the school building.
“I work with incredibly talented teachers who also want the best for their students,” said Pendley. “It’s easy for me to collaborate by treating everyone with kindness, respect, and care. This is a wonderful place because of the people who work here and the care they have for one another, and for each child.”
“My sister Ann has been an amazing teacher for decades, all while battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS),” said Pendley’s brother and nominator, Ed Lenherr. “She was one of the true front-line workers during Covid. Many schools and teachers did virtual remote teaching, but Ann had to mask up and wear all the protective gear, while working with kids in person – even sometimes in their homes. She always put her best foot forward, and puts the kids first. She would do anything for anyone!”
“Ann’s longevity, optimistic attitude, and positive approach to life is a prime representation of a what being a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan is all about,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC President. “Her attention-to-detail, and determined approach to enhancing the lives of her students is evident throughout her 25-year teaching career. We’re proud to highlight her accomplishments and look forward to continued success in the future.”
“I feel incredibly honored and excited that I was nominated and recognized as a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan,” said Pendley. “I really love what I do. To be honored for doing something I truly enjoy is an amazing feeling.”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritan.
