(La Porte, IN) - La Porte has named its elementary school Teacher of the Year.

Alice Tallackson is a kindergarten teacher at Crichfield Elementary School where she’s been for 24 of her 37 years in education. She was partially described as providing a safe and caring environment for her students.

Tallackson also took the lead in learning about the endangered Monarch butterfly population to teach her students and the community on ways to help the species.

“Mrs. Tallackson is such a patient, caring and gifted teacher. Her students, parents, colleagues adore her because of her work ethic, ability to effectively communicate and that she always puts kids’ needs first,” said Crichfield Principal Tearsa Schable.

Tallackson is also an active member and leader of the Crichfield Reading Committee, which aims to motivate students to read in hopes they develop a love for reading.

Her other involvement at school includes partnering with counselors to help students master valuable life skills and achieve their goals.