Model Teachers: 1st Grade

Grade: 1st Grade
School: General Stanford Elementary
Years Taught: 22

What do you love most about teaching?
Engaging and loving my students

Why do you love working in NNPS?
NNPS has always been my home. I was raised here, went to school here, and returned here to serve in the community. Supporting teachers helps to build strong teams and keep fellow teachers returning year after year.

Grade: 1st Grade
School: Sanford Elementary
Years Taught: 15

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
Every teacher needs a great support system, whether you are a brand-new teacher or someone who has been in the profession for many years. I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because I would not be where I am today without the people who helped me, developed me, and lifted me up on difficult days. I still learn and grow from my mentor teachers.

What do you love most about teaching?
I love teaching kids how to read! Most students enter 1st grade not knowing how to read. Helping children gain the skills and confidence to become readers is so rewarding! I love to see how excited they get when they can read words, sentences, and then books.

Grade: 1st Grade
School: General Stanford Elementary
Years Taught: 16

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
I'm a very organized teacher. I analyze and reflect on everything, and I'm constantly changing and being flexible to meet student needs. I like to ask questions about why we are doing things. I am always researching and tailoring plans to best fit my unique group of students. I'm not afraid to try something new or to make mistakes. Everything is a growth opportunity, and I never stop learning or growing.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
I have worked in many, many districts as a military spouse. I have range of valuable experiences, but NNPS feels like home. It is the place where I am trusted and supported to do my best every day. Our curriculum is amazing and evolving based on research, just as it should be. NNPS cares about developing us and investing in their teachers and students. I hope to retire here with my husband because I love this area and this district that much!

Grade: 1st Grade
School: Newsome Park Elementary
Years Taught: 3

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I feel that I am successful as a teacher today because of the mentors, coaches, and friends who have helped me along the way. I would appreciate the chance to help others grow as educators the same way others helped me.

What do you love most about teaching?
I love that every day is a fresh start- for me and for the kids. I appreciate the opportunity to make changes to my lessons and instruction based on the needs of students. There is always a way to reflect on a lesson or interaction that didn't go well and adjust so I can improve for the next one.