2007 Teacher of the Year Program

Transcription

Cover design by Life Event Productions
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Delaware State Teachers of the Year
1965—Present
1965........... Mrs. Grace C. Moore, Marshallton—McKean District
1966........... Mrs. Nancy Lloyd Harper, Seaford District
1967........... Joseph J. Gilligan, Dickinson High School
1968........... J. Richard Kendall, III, Mt. Pleasant District
1969 .......... Mrs. Donald Harmeson, Capital District
1970........... Mrs. Jessie C. Duncan, Newark District
1971........... Mrs. Phyllis G. Schabinger, Appoquinimink District
1972........... Mrs. Vivian Ellis, New Castle-Gunning Bedford District
1973........... Mrs. Mary Decker, Milford District
1974........... Mrs. Polly M. Bray, Newark District
1975........... Mrs. Eleanor (Forsberg) Young, Mt. Pleasant District
1976........... Mrs. Lyn V. Eggink, Division of Juvenile Corrections
1977........... Miss Lucy E. Samluk, De La Warr District
1978........... William W. Barkley, Capital District
1979........... Mrs. Nina Lou Bunting, Indian River District
1980........... Bruce Laird, New Castle County, Area 1
1981........... June Soukup, Indian River District
1982........... Renee O’Leary, Colonial District
1983........... Harriett B. Donofrio, Cape Henlopen District
1984........... Teresa G. Carey, Indian River District
1985........... Susan Thomas Holder, New Castle County Vo-Tech District
1986........... Doris G. Stevenson, Brandywine District
1987........... Paul Parets, Red Clay School District
1988........... Penny Shockley, Milford School District
1989........... Eleanor D. Schmidt, Colonial School District
1990........... Timothy P. Young, Lake Forest School District
1991........... Lisa (Best) Eline, Red Clay School District
1992........... Mercedes V. Ferrari, Milford School District
1993........... Clealyn B. Wilson, Capital School District
1994........... Patrice Buchanan, Christina School District
1995........... Candice Hopkins, Colonial School District
1996........... Darryl J. Hudson, Indian River School District
1997........... Francis J. O’Malley, Brandywine School District
1998........... Harry Kutch, Colonial School District
1999........... Lyn Newsom, Brandywine School District
2000........... Ronni K. Cohen, Brandywine School District
2001........... Julia N. Harper, Delmar School District
2002........... Tanya Marcinkewicz, Brandywine School District
2003........... Sharon Crossen, POLYTECH School District
2004........... Rita Hovermale, Woodbridge School District
2005........... Kathleen H. Thomas, Caesar Rodney School District
2006........... Garrett W. Lydic, Laurel School District
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2007 Teachers of the Year
Awards Ceremony Program
October 24, 2006
W e l c o m e
Valerie A. Woodruff, Secretary of Education
G r e e t i n g s
The Honorable Ruth Ann Minner, Governor
The Honorable John C. Carney, Jr., Lt. Governor
Mrs. Jean Allen, President, State Board of Education
The Honorable Michael N. Castle, United States Representative
The Honorable Thomas R. Carper, United States Senator
The Honorable David Sokola, Senate Education Committee Chair
The Honorable Nancy Wagner, House Education Committee Chair
Recognition of District Teachers of the Year
D i n n e r
Music provided by the Caesar Rodney High School Jazz Ensemble I
DuWane Sandlin, Director
Special Presentations to the 2007
Teacher of the Year
Reflections
Garrett Lydic, 2006 State Teacher of the Year
Announcement of the 2007 State Teacher of the Year
Governor Ruth Ann Minner
Dover Sheraton Hotel
Dover, Delaware
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Teacher of the Year Program Presenters
Delaware Association of School Administrators
Delaware Association of Student Councils
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Townsend Building
Dover, DE 19901
www.doe.k12.de.us
October 24, 2006
Dear Friends:
The Delaware Teacher of the Year Program, administered by the
Delaware Department of Education, honors a Delaware teacher who
exemplifies fine teaching in the state. The purpose of the program is
to select a teacher who is worthy of speaking for and representing the
positive contributions of all teachers statewide. The Delaware
Teacher of the Year automatically becomes the state’s candidate for
the National Teacher of the Year Program.
The National Teacher of the Year Program is the oldest and
most prestigious awards program that focuses public attention annually on excellence in teaching. The National Teacher of the Year
Program, presented by the ING Foundation, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers and is sponsored by Scholastic Inc.
It is an honor for me to share the philosophies from 19 outstanding educators. The statements represent the foundation of what
occurs in Delaware classrooms everyday. Delaware citizens have
reason to be exceedingly proud of and grateful for the dedication and
high quality professional performance of our classroom teachers.
The Delaware Department of Education is proud to present
Delaware’s Teachers of the Year for 2007.
Valerie A. Woodruff
Secretary of Education
Delaware Chief School Officers
Delaware Congress of Parents and Teachers
Delaware Professional Standards Board
Delaware School Boards Association
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
Delaware State Education Association
Delaware State Teachers of the Year Association
Delaware State University, Education Department
Delaware Technical and Community College
DELL Computer, Inc.
Division of Motor Vehicles
Future Educators of America
Harcourt Assessment , Inc.
Peripheral Vision Vendors:
GTCOCALCOMP, Turning Point, Daydream Education, Elluminate,
Ken A Vision, RM Easyteach, Examview
Phi Delta Kappa
Senator Thomas R. Carper
Sponsorship by SMARTer Kids Foundation
and technology gifts from SMART Technologies, Inc.
State Board of Education
University of Delaware, Delaware Center for Teacher Education
Wesley College
Wilmington College, Division of Education
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State Teacher of the Year Readers
Patricia Bigelow, Department of Education
Professional Accountability
Kelli Martin, Department of Education
K-12 Science/Environment Education
Joanne Miro, Department of Education
Homeless Children
Joanne Reihm, Department of Education
Assessment and Accountability
Malik Stewart, Department of Education
School Improvement and Quality Assurance
State Teacher of the Year Judges
Diane Donahue
Vice President, Delaware State Education Association
Leslie Holden
Vice Chair, Professional Standards Board
Garrett Lydic
2006 State Teacher of the Year
Bonnie Mucha
Delaware State PTA, Director of Unit Services
Barbara Rutt
State Board of Education
Janine Sorbello
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Sr. VP Education
Arielle Baine
Delaware Association of Student Councils
Teacher of the Year Facilitator
Dr. Wayne Barton
Director, Professional Accountability
Department of Education
Teacher of the Year Co-Coordinators
Ron Gough
Public Information Officer
Betty McFarland
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John Tanner
APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT
MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL—GRADE 11 ENGLISH
Educational History:
University of Delaware
- B.A. English Education, Magna cum Laude
- Pursuing M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Six Years Teaching Experience
“My mother pushed me so hard to be successful in school. In addition to my mother’s support, my teachers were also remarkable. They gave
me a place to belong, away from the taunting of my peers, and the difficulty of
my life. They gave me hope; and for that I owe them much. So this has been
one of my many goals as an educator: to make proud the countless people
who invested in me by learning from their example and then striving to be
even better.”
Philosophy of Teaching:
“I am a teacher. I share a title with Aristotle,
Christ, Gandhi, and King. I possess one of the greatest responsibilities facing
our nation: educating the minds of its youth. There is no job description complete enough to explain what I do. For some, I may be the only caring face
seen all day. For others, I am a personal counselor. For all, I am an encourager—one who challenges them to achieve more and to reach higher. I am a
teacher, and I do not take my role lightly. As an educator, I want to relate to
my students personally, honestly, justly, and respectfully. I want to model
important life principles to my students as I try to love each of them unconditionally. I want to help change their lives for the better. A foundational belief
of any good educator is that students must be challenged; they must be pushed
hard; and they must be motivated to believe that they are capable of more than
they ever imagined. Students, in the long run, appreciate being held to high
standards, but they also expect that these standards be fair and reasonable.
Countless numbers of my students have shared with me that they consider my
class one of the most difficult in the school, and they thank me for offering the
support necessary to be successful in such a rigorous environment. I feel
privileged to work in this noble and extremely significant profession, in the
job of helping others become free. Teaching is my purpose; it is what I was
created to do. I have been truly honored, yet humbled, by the ability to touch
the lives of so many people. Making a difference, being successful, leaving a
legacy, work hard—these are the goals I desire for my students to pursue. I
know they can be attained for I teach, and I am living proof.”
Middletown High School
120 Silver Lake Road
Middletown, DE 19709
Phone: 302-376-4145
www.apposchooldistrict.com
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Daniel P. Bradley
BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPRINGER MIDDLE SCHOOL —GRADES 7-8 LANGUAGE ARTS
The American University, Washington, DC
- Bachelor of Arts, English Literature
Cabrini College, Radnor, PA
- Masters of Education
Wilmington College
- Post Graduate Coursework
- Post Graduate Coursework
Seventeen Years Teaching Experience
“It was my early and somewhat frightening school experiences that influenced my decision to become a teacher. I have first hand knowledge of the anxiety
many students feel in the school setting. I know what it is like to worry about
grades, to fret over assignments, to be lost and uncertain when the rest of the class
seems to be just fine. As I developed as a teacher, I began to create the type of
classroom that would create a climate of engagement, comfort and security.”
“I have been teaching students of middle school age
for almost 17 years. In that time, I have pared down my classroom practice to three
essential expectations, the same that are posted in the front of my room. Strangely,
there is an almost monastic simplicity to my approach. First, you will work every
day. Secondly, you will be treated with respect. Finally, you will learn and improve. The students are made aware of the expectations from the first day of school
and I do everything in my power to make sure that all three are met every day. In
my work with struggling readers, I have discovered that the consistency and frequency of instruction directly correlate with reading success. My students know
what to do in any reading situation, or classroom situation for that matter, because
they have been instructed about the rituals of reading. I choose materials that kids
want to read. Teaching a struggling reader to comprehend using Shakespeare is
like teaching a 16 year old to drive using a tractor-trailer. I find what students actually want to read, and then I teach them how to do it better. I show them that they
already have the skills to comprehend using music and video. Once the students
see what they can already do, they become willing to attempt to do more. As the
layers are removed, you get to see the successful readers below the surface. Since I
believe that good teaching requires consistency, I build in routines for almost all
classroom interactions. At the same time, good teaching requires creativity. I frequently revise and update my lessons from year to year so that they reflect the most
current and engaging methods. The final analysis, teaching is the career that brings
me joy. It allows me to be the person I’ve always wanted to be.”
Springer Middle School
2220 Shipley Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone: 302-479-1621
www.bsd.k12.de.us
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State Teacher of the Year Observers
Denise Allen, Department of Education
Library/Media/Technology
William Barkley
Cookie Bolig, Department of Education
Educational Assessment
Brenda Mack Bowman, Department of Education
Cost Recovery Program
Sharon Crossen
Shirley Dear, Department of Education
Unit Count & Profile Coordinator
Mercedes Ferrari, Department of Education
Regina Greenwald, Department of Education
School to Work Transition
Julia Harper
Rita Hovermale
Jill Joos
2004 Red Clay Teacher of the Year
James Lesko, Department of Education
Early Childhood, Kindergarten Pilot
Carol Mayhew, Department of Education
Regulation Review/Title IX Coordinator
William Mills
2000 Delmar Teacher of the Year
Renee O’Leary
Fran O’Malley
John Ray, Department of Education
Coordinated School Health, PE & Tobacco Prevention
Doris Stevenson
Kathleen Thomas
Julia Webster, Department of Education
Secondary Reading
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State Teacher of the Year Program
Bernadette F. Burcat
CAESAR RODNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
NELLIE HUGHES STOKES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL— GRADE 4 SPECIAL EDUCATION
GRADE 1 LITERACY FIRST
The Delaware Teacher of the Year Program adheres to the requirements of the
National Program regarding schedules; composition of the portfolios; and
areas in which nominees will be judged. We are glad that we can go beyond
the National guidelines by giving more attention to district nominees at work
in the classroom and by having persons from outside the Department make the
final recommendation.
- BSAS and Certificate of Proficiency in Physical Therapy
The College of New Jersey
- Masters of Arts in Teaching, Special Education
Nine Years Teaching Experience
The first phase involves the selection of five staff members from the Department. They read the portfolios submitted by the nominees for State Teacher
of the Year. The readers review the materials and rate each portfolio based on
specific criteria. A numeric rating is applied to each portfolio by the readers
and an average of the five readings is calculated for each nominee.
In the second phase, ten staff members from the Department are selected to be
observers. They are teamed with former State and local district teachers of the
year. The teams are assigned to observe each district nominee at work in the
classroom as well as interview the building principal and other teachers. Appointments are made at the convenience of the nominee, but they must take
place within ten school days from the time the portfolios are submitted to the
Department. The observers, who work in pairs, want to see the teacher's typical work with students. The nominee's relationships with other teachers and
administrators are also factors to consider; but the major factor is the classroom performance of the teacher. There are guidelines for the observers to
follow and a numeric rating is assigned to each nominee’s observation report.
The observation rating for each nominee is added to the portfolio rating.
These two ratings are averaged together for a final score. The three nominees
with the highest score become the finalists. The portfolios and reports of the
three nominees are submitted to a panel of judges for their review and recommendation.
The Department invites as judges: the current State Teacher of the Year; the
president of the Delaware State PTA; the president of the State Student Council Association; a member of the State Board of Education; representative of
the Chamber of Commerce; the president of the Delaware State Education
Association; and the chair of the Professional Standards Board or if necessary,
their designees. After reviewing the materials, one nominee will be recommended as the State Teacher of the Year. The judges recommendation is submitted to the State Secretary of Education for final approval.
“I went to college to become a physical therapist. However, my decision to go back to school and get my Masters degree in Special Education was
the best thing I have ever done. When my own children started school, I often
volunteered in their classrooms and had the opportunity to watch outstanding
teachers. I believe my greatest contribution to my students is being able to recognize each child’s unique talent. In spite of the particular learning difficulty a
child is struggling with, I feel it is very important for each student to appreciate
his or her strengths.”
“I once said to an administrator that I felt very
lucky that I was actually getting paid for doing something that I considered fun.
Teaching is time consuming, demanding, exciting, stressful, but definitely a
profession that allows one to create positive experiences for children and one
that teaches me new things almost every day. Though testing is a component of
the profession, it is not what teaching is about. Creating the setting, providing
the resources, developing the skills, and encouraging the children to take risks is
what teaching is about. I demonstrate these qualities by recognizing the unique
characteristics of my students and scaffolding their learning experiences so that
they are successful and self motivated to continue their own learning. Success
breeds success, so I continually strive to provide the opportunities for my students to use their strengths in order to master new content. If they are allowed
to shine, their self-esteem grows, and they are recognized by their peers for what
they can achieve. They receive attention for their positive and constructive
achievements. It turns into a win/win situation for all—the student is learning
and feels good about himself or herself, the parents are thrilled to see their child
experience success, and I feel so good seeing the progress and growth the student has made. By remaining positive, redirecting undesirable behaviors and
using higher order questioning techniques, I can bring my personal teaching
philosophy to life. I believe this allows children to be successful and proud of
their own accomplishments.”
Nellie Hughes Stokes Elementary School
3874 Upper King Road
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-697-3205
www.k12.de.us/caesarrodney
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Michael H. Buoni
CAPE HENLOPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
CAPE HENLOPEN HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 10-12 BIOLOGY
- Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences
- Alternative Routes to Certification
- Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies
Ten Years Teaching Experience
“In the fall of 1996, I started a job that would change my life. I was
introduced as a substitute teacher to the Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc., an
alternative school in the inner city of Wilmington for pregnant teenagers. Scared
out of my mind, I walked into my first teaching job as an uncertified substitute
teacher, with a bachelor’s degree in biology. The girls taught me that real teaching was more than just dissemination of rote knowledge. One student in particular
told me that I made her feel smart. Though I know I gave her the gift of confidence,
I believe the gift she gave me was much greater—the gift of empowerment.”
“While teaching is clinically understood to mean to
impart knowledge, it is a fact that the role of a teacher goes far beyond such a definition. Teachers no longer merely impart content matter. In order to truly be effective, teachers must be much more than providers of knowledge. Teachers must
know their clients well. The challenges facing the kids of today test our ability not
only to communicate information, but also to create critical thinkers for a world
that lies ahead. What makes teaching different from any other field is the rawness
of the materials. In the business world, employers are given control over which
employees they hire. A metals company can pick and choose which metals it buys
from where, in order to make the best products possible. Teaching, especially in
public schools, is the exception. We cannot reject our raw materials. We must
‘hire’ all employees without even considering whether or not they want to be hired.
This defining attribute of teaching is what challenges us most in today’s schools. I
feel that all students can be taught. Everyone can learn—but not everyone can
teach. In order to be an effective teacher, it is necessary to find the link: the way
that a student can learn best. I have the opportunity to change the course of another
person’s life, forever. When I meet a student that I had taught in the past, and he or
she is pursuing a career in which I had played some part, it is a constant reminder
of the impact that a teacher can have on a student. It is the ultimate evaluative tool
for the effectiveness of my teaching. This amazing gift can only happen if we, as
teachers, make a great effort to ‘get inside’ of our students; learn how they work;
and THEN, do what the dictionary says . . . teach them.”
Cape Henlopen High School
1250 Kings Highway
Lewes, DE 19958
Phone: 302-645-7711
www.k12.de.us/capehenlopen
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2007 Building Level Teachers of the Year
RED CLAY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT—CONTINUED
Susan White, Alexis I. duPont Middle School
Holly Maloney, H. B. duPont Middle School
Justine Wood, Skyline Middle School
Brent Thorpe, Stanton Middle School
Lisa Coburn, Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Susanne Spitsbergen, John Dickinson High School
Linda Malatesta, Alexis I. duPont High School
William Coughlin, Thomas McKean High School
SEAFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Karen Maske—District Coordinator
Sharon Parker, Blades Elementary School
Kathi Adams, Frederick Douglass Elementary School
Cheryl Filipiak, Seaford Central Elementary School
Bonnie Cannon, West Seaford Elementary School
Rita Hoster, Seaford Middle School
Dara Laws, Seaford High School*
SMYRNA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Clarence Lloyd—District Coordinator
Janet Brown, Smyrna Kindergarten Center
Elaine Minear, Clayton Elementary School
Kristi Wilson, North Smyrna Elementary School
Billy Davis, Smyrna Elementary School*
Barbara Pritchard, John Bassett Moore Intermediate School
Maureen Carey, Smyrna Middle School
Melissa Buchanan, Smyrna High School
SUSSEX TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Michelle Perry—District Coordinator
Don Golacinski, Sussex Technical High School*
WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Heath Chasanov—District Coordinator
Debra Chisenhall, Woodbridge Elementary School
Jill Lewandowski, Phillis Wheatley Middle School*
Fred Brock, Woodbridge High School
*2007 District Teacher of the Year
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MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Peggy Short—District Coordinator
Kelli Palumbo-White, Evelyn I. Morris Early Childhood
Heather Smith , Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
Jodi Morgan, Lulu M. Ross Elementary School
Nancy Poinsett, Milford Middle School
Kathy Wetherhold, Milford Senior High School*
NEW CASTLE COUNTY VO-TECH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mary An Scarbrough—District Coordinator
Brian Gross, Delcastle Technical High School*
Nancy Rudolph, Paul M. Hodgson Vo Tech High School
Susan Gosney, Howard High School of Technology
POLYTECH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Joseph Dobrowalski—District Coordinator
Dan Lettieri, POLYTECH High School*
Red Clay Consolidated School District
Sue Rash—District Coordinator
Beth Bryson, Austin D. Baltz Elementary School
Laura Milligan, Brandywine Springs Elementary School
Janice Melson, The Central School
Mary Jo Sweeney, Forest Oak Elementary School
Virginia Geiger, Heritage Elementary School
Brian Simmons, Highlands Elementary School
Caridad Alonso, William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School*
Laurie Goodwin-Phillips, Linden Hill Elementary School
Donna Syme, Marbrook Elementary School
Linda Hale, Meadowood Program
Janice Stoeckle, Anna P. Mote Elementary School
Alyssa Schweizer, North Star Elementary School
Patricia Puszkarczuk, Richardson Park Elementary School
Deirdre Bies, Richardson Park Learning Center
Michele Craig, Richey Elementary School
Doris Hairston, Evan G. Shortlidge Academy
Jason T. Scott, Warner Elementary School
Alicia Oleksy, Conrad Middle School
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Deborah A. Simmons
CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
EAST DOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL —KINDERGARTEN
Franklin Pierce College
- Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Social Work & Counseling
Wilmington College
- Masters in Education, Elementary Education
Seven Years Teaching Experience
“Throughout high school things did not always come easy to me.
There were times I felt ignored and dismissed by my teachers. I was lucky I
found one who would not let me give up on myself. Ms. Trainor tutored me
every day until I was able to grasp the concepts of advanced algebra. She set
a standard of what all great teachers should be, and it inspired me to want to
be that kind of teacher for other children. I believe the key to being an excellent teacher is to never stop being a student, and to realize that our job entails
so much more than teaching the four basic subjects.”
“Being a teacher is the most important thing I
have ever done and will ever do in my life. I cannot think of another career
where individuals hold so much power and influence over so many impressionable minds. In a famous quote entitled, ‘To Be a Teacher,’ the author
expresses; We have the power to humiliate or humor, hurt or heal, humanize or
dehumanize. Our responsibilities as teachers are great, and should never be
taken lightly. My worth as a teacher depends on how much of myself I am
willing to dedicate to the success of my students, and in order to be effective, I
have to stay informed about the latest practices. Most importantly, I realize
that every child does not learn the same way or at the same rate; and therefore
I use many different modalities to reach a vast range of abilities. Being a
teacher for me is not a job; it is how I define myself as a human being. I carry
the burdens of my students home with me everyday. I laugh with them, cry for
them, and cheer them on every step of the way. My commitment to inform and
involve parents is another characteristic that makes me effective as a teacher.
This is why I go to great lengths to welcome parents into my classroom and
provide them with the tools they need to help their children at home. It is essential that the children in my class be treated with compassion and respect.
Keeping in mind the struggles they go through on a daily basis has helped me
learn to be more patient and understanding. The level of dedication I have for
my students and parents, and my desire to learn new techniques has helped me
become the teacher I want to be.”
East Dover Elementary School
852 South Little Creek Road
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: 302-672-1655
www.k12.de.us/capital
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Matilda Ann Madric
CHRISTINA SCHOOL DISTRICT
THURGOOD MARSHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—GRADE 3
Delaware State University
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- Doctorate Degree, Educational Leadership
Wilmington College
- Masters of Education, School Leadership
Twenty-three Years Teaching Experience
“I used the dirt fields in my urban community called Eastlake in
Wilmington, Delaware as the chalkboard and anyone who wished to listen
would be a part of my class, because even then, as a six year old, I was the
teacher. Growing up in a close-knit community with a strong sense of accountability was a major influence for me. Many of my neighbors would not
call me by my name. Instead, they simply called me ‘School Teacher.’ I’ve
always loved that title. I was determined to grow to be the real ‘School
Teacher’.”
“I believe teachers have the most awesome
power—that of transforming the world, one child at a time. I believe that the
impact that we have on one child can save many lives. As a teacher, I make it
my purpose to reach out beyond the doors of my classroom and touch the
homes and community where I teach in some phenomenal way. The year
2000, brought to life a new curriculum described as ‘Life Skills.’ To make this
curriculum totally relevant and enable all students to have a community experience within my classroom that would be so profound as to never be forgotten, I
contacted the management at the Old Country Buffet. Students wrote persuasive letters in hopes that they could become invited guests and experience a
dining atmosphere as a class/family. Using their economic sense while simultaneously evaluating opportunity cost, the offer was made that their parents
and siblings would be in attendance as paying patrons and the students could
come as guests. The Old Country Buffet made a great choice and as a result
all thirty-six students and an additional forty-four family members participated
in one of the most beautiful advertisements any public school could broadcast.
The tables were reserved and using their life skills, the students exemplified
proper etiquette at its best. Thank you letters were promptly sent out. Surprisingly the management invited us again. The experience made a world of difference to many parents and students. I saw, felt, and experienced the unity of a
great community of people and it transformed me deeply. I teach because I
enjoy experiencing the evolution of excellence.”
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
101 Barrett Run Road
Newark, DE 19702
Phone: 302-454-4700
www.christina.k12.de.us
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DELMAR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Charity Phillips—District Coordinator
Ilah Preston, Delmar High School*
INDIAN RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sandy Smith—District Coordinator
Wendy Murray, Lord Baltimore Elementary School*
Kellie Hall, East Millsboro Elementary School
Jan Bomhardt, Frankford Elementary School
Lara Lane, Georgetown Elementary School
Jane Scheftner, Long Neck Elementary School
Tonya Rockermann, North Georgetown Elementary School
Kerri Beth Hurd, Phillip C. Showell Elementary School
Deborah O’Connell, Howard T. Ennis School
Tanya Marvel, Richard Allen School
Michael Hastings, Selbyville Middle School
Helen O’Brien, Southern Delaware School of the Arts
Lance Keeler, Sussex Central Middle School
Stacey Ann Holladay, Indian River High School
Jeffrey Gartman, Sussex Central High School
LAKE FOREST SCHOOL DISTRICT
Tammy Croce—District Coordinator
Amanda Keppel, Lake Forest Central Elementary School*
Renee Hyde, Lake Forest East Elementary School
Pam Hobbs, Lake Forest North Elementary School
Wendy Elliott, Lake Forest South Elementary School
David Delong, W. T. Chipman Middle School
Ellen Phillips, Lake Forest High School
LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sandra Baker—District Coordinator
Heather Ruark, Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School
Yvette Bourne, North Laurel Elementary School*
Kimberly Parker, Laurel Intermediate School
Kimberly Husbands, Laurel Middle School
Michael Allen, Laurel Senior High School
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CHRISTINA SCHOOL DISTRICT—CONTINUED
Norman Kennedy, William B. Keene Elementary School
Linette Glassco, May B. Leasure Elementary School
Dianne Litzinger, R. Elisabeth Maclary Elementary School
Matilda Madric, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School*
Claudia Curtis, Joseph M. McVey Elementary School
Carol Teague, Jennie E. Smith Elementary School
Linda Bacon, West Park Place Elementary School
Lisa Yerkes, Etta J. Wilson Elementary School
Jamie Fuscellaro, The Brennen School
Colleen Mulhern, Bancroft Intermediate School
Tim Werbrick, Bayard Intermediate School
Cindy Van Aken, Elbert-Palmer Intermediate School
Dena Ludinca, Casimir Pulaski Intermediate School
Glenn Clarke, Frederick Douglass Stubbs Intermediate School
Crystal Lancour, Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
Jennifer Rhudd, George V. Kirk Middle School
Trish Meixell, Shue-Medill Middle School
Jennifer Mayer, Christiana High School
Greg Fink, Glasgow High School
Scott Bacon, Newark High School
COLONIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Karen Gilbert—District Coordinator
Renee Griffith, Castle Hills Elementary School*
Laura Oakley, Colwyck Elementary School
Rosa Trotter, Carrie Downie Elementary School
Cecilia Mohan, Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary School
Dave Simpson, Calvin R. McCullough Elementary School
Melissa Sareyka, Pleasantville Elementary School
Susan E. Miller, Southern Elementary School
Nancy J. Meade, Wilmington Manor Elementary School
Andrew Capone, Commodore MacDonough
Deborah Kiser, John G. Leach School
Kimberly M. Garrick, Gunning Bedford Middle School
Barry Seymour, New Castle Middle School
Donna Costa, George Read Middle School
Sebrina Perialas, William Penn High School
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Renee M. Griffith
COLONIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CASTLE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—GRADE 5
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary and Special Education
University of Pennsylvania
- Graduate School of Education
Wilmington College
- Pursuing a Masters Degree in School Leadership
Eleven Years Teaching Experience
“I remember LOVING school. In third grade with Mrs. Latchaw, I
can remember volunteering to stay in at recess to grade papers. In fourth
grade with Mrs. Williamson, I was the first one there every morning and I
would even ask for extra work. Then came Mr. Koetteritz, my favorite teacher
of all time. WOW! Not only was he fun, but also I can remember doing all of
these fabulous and creative projects. He truly made a lasting impression. He
made fifth grade so memorable, and that is why I love teaching fifth grade
today.”
“I believe a child’s learning environment is a
critical part of their educational success. Each child is unique and needs a safe
and stimulating place to learn to meet his or her fullest potential. It is my goal
as an educator to provide these opportunities. With a secure and motivating
environment, a child is able to take risks and grow emotionally, intellectually,
and socially. I provide my students with the support they need to become responsible for their own learning by providing positive discipline and decisionmaking opportunities. I promote these opportunities and offer children the
encouragement they need to be successful. I have the opportunity to make a
difference in a child’s life. I am committed everyday to making sure that all
my students know just how much I want them there. Another reward I find in
teaching is the opportunity to see students from diverse backgrounds working
together for a common goal. When they are completing science investigations,
working on math problems, or comprehending reading texts, I know they are
working on skills that they will use everyday to help them become productive
and successful citizens. My beliefs about teaching are demonstrated by what I
do everyday in my classroom. I provide them with opportunities to be successful by getting to know their strengths and ability levels. This allows me to
differentiate my instruction and to provide my students with the support and
encouragement they need to be successful. In my personal style of teaching, I
believe that I am fully present and engaged in my students’ academic, emotional, and social success and that is what makes me an outstanding educator.”
Castle Hills Elementary School
502 Moores Lane
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: 302-323-2915
www.colonial.k12.de.us
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Ilah Preston
DELMAR SCHOOL DISTRICT
DELMAR MIDDLE & SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 9-12 INTENSIVE LEARNING CENTER
Wilmington College
- Bachelor of Science, Magna cum Laude
Five Years Teaching Experience
CAESAR RODNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT—CONTINUED
Bernadette Burcat, Nellie Hughes Stokes Elementary School*
Rita Frost, Major George S. Welch Elementary School
Matthew Santee, Dover Air Force Base Middle School
John Muller, Fred Fifer Middle School
Michael Statham, F. Niel Postlethwait Middle School
George Fisher, Caesar Rodney High School
CAPE HENLOPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Alfred G. Best, Jr.—District Coordinator
“My parents were very hard workers. My father was a railroad conductor and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. Those were tough times, but
my help came in the form of my science teacher, Mr. Culver, who had asked to
see me after class one day. This is when my journey began. I remember him
looking at me, as he had so many times before, and saying, ‘Ilah, you have potential coming out of your ears.’ I made a promise to myself I would go after my
dream to be a teacher.”
“As an educator, it is my duty to create a safe
learning environment that is interactive and will promote problem solving and
critical thinking skills. When a welcoming environment has been established, it
promotes a positive learning experience for all students, especially for the ones
with disabilities. Likewise, it is my responsibility to provide any necessary
accommodations that will be beneficial to all students in the process of education, to promote positive social interaction among the students, and lastly to
provide life skills that are necessary for successes in the real world. Working on
accommodations for students with disabilities or tweaking learning styles for
students without disabilities, will even the score for these children to help them
triumph in life. Effectively establishing a plan that helps children observe how
they learn and what is the best process for their own needs goes a long way.
Guiding them through this journey with a firm stance but loving heart engenders
a positive, mutually respectful classroom setting. Teaching them the social and
emotional skills that are necessary to be successful in life is a paramount objective. Showing them by example the proper way to treat others is highly effective. To show them love, respect, caring, and concern without being intrusive is
key. In our classroom my students have a say in the educational process. When
they take an ownership, they perform more successfully. Our classroom is not a
traditional one. It is rather a relaxed environment, but with well-defined rules. I
feel it is important to be there when they succeed, but more importantly, to be
there when they fall, always with a caring heart and open arms.”
Delmar Middle & Senior High School
200 North Eighth Street
Delmar, DE 19940
Phone: 302-846-9544
www.k12.de.us/delmar
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Shorel Clark, H. O. Brittingham Elementary School
Julie Yakimowicz , Milton Elementary School
Linda Dillinger, Rehoboth Elementary School
Patricia Hocker, Richard A. Shields Elementary School
Regina Scanlon, Beacon Middle School
Heather Kindl, Mariner Middle School
Steven Nieblas, Sussex Consortium
Michael Buoni, Cape Henlopen High School*
CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Tina Huff—District Coordinator
Deborah Simmons, East Dover Elementary School*
Amy Persaud, Fairview Elementary School
Lynn Eichler, Hartly Elementary School
Margaret Iplenski, Kent County Community School
Gina Baumgartner, North Dover Elementary School
Krista Seifert, Booker T. Washington Elementary School
Tara Swearingen, South Dover Elementary School
Cheryl Pinder, Towne Point Elementary School
Douglas Bice, Central Middle School
Raymond Sockriter, William Henry Middle School
Wayne Newsome, Kent County Secondary Intensive Learning Center
Marguerite Naftzinger, Dover High School
Christina School District
Constance Merlet—District Coordinator
Renee Keiser, Brookside Elementary School
Paul Peterson, John R. Downes Elementary School
Dawn Haller, Robert S. Gallaher Elementary School
Ann Fleckenstein, Albert H. Jones Elementary School
Page2225
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APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Debbie Panchisin—District Coordinator
Jen Walters, Appoquinimink Early Childhood Center
Jodie Klein, Brick Mill Elementary School
Maria Plischke, Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center
Tammy Benbrook, Cedar Lane Elementary School
Carolyn Joynt, Olive B. Loss Elementary School
Susan Osborn, Silver Lake Elementary School
Laura Burnett, Townsend Elementary School
Dana Griffith, Everett Meredith Middle School
Anne Park, Louis L. Redding Middle School
John Tanner, Middletown High School*
BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Ann Rosen—District Coordinator
Theresa Black, Brandywood Elementary School
Rebecca Rush, Charles W. Bush School
Anne Maria Maffia, Carrcroft Elementary School
Dawn Camfield, Claymont Elementary School
Natasha Gilchrist, Darley Road Elementary School
Kristin Anderson, Pierre S. duPont Elementary School
Mary Levine, Forwood Elementary School
Samuel Fawks, David W. Harlan Elementary School
Elizabeth Nowland, Lancashire Elementary School
Judy Gallagher, Lombardy Elementary School
Kimberly Pabian, Maple Lane Elementary School
Maureen Watson, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School
John Bell, Hanby Middle School
Daniel Bradley, Springer Middle School*
Donna DeKay, Talley Middle School
Sandra Kupchick, Brandywine High School
Marie Peters, Concord High School
Michele Uthgenannt, Mount Pleasant High School
CAESAR RODNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Joyce LeBright—District Coordinator
Misty Yencer, W. Reily Brown Elementary School/McIlvaine
Eva Schmitt-Robbins, John S. Charlton School
Norma Van Etten, Allen Frear Elementary School
Walter Ramsey, W.B. Simpson Elementary School
Kyle Hill, Star Hill Elementary School
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Wendy L. Murray
INDIAN RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
LORD BALTIMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—KINDERGARTEN
National Board Certified Teacher
Salisbury State University
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
- Masters of Education, Elementary Education
Delaware Technical & Community College
- Introduction to Technology Certificate
Fifteen Years Teaching Experience
“It all started with a mouse, a motorcycle, and many tall tales. I
had a wonderful third grade teacher who was very kind and encouraged us to
do our best everyday. Mrs. Johnson read aloud to us and we made projects to
go along with the stories we read. This was the year I began to enjoy reading,
and I still love to read to this day. I remember going home from school and
bribing my younger brother and cousin to be my students. As a child, I was
loved and cared for. I developed the self-confidence I needed to reach my
goals and to become the person I am today.”
“My personal feeling and belief about teaching
is that in order to ensure a child’s success in school, I must provide meaningful, engaging, as well as challenging learning experiences. A strong foundation must begin in the early school years in order for children to be successful
and to enjoy learning. I provide encouragement, guidance, discipline, and stability. For many children school is the only safe and happy place in their life.
I believe children may forget some of what you teach them, but they will never
forget the way you make them feel. I get to know my students and their families so they are comfortable with school and me. I feel this is an important
part of our year long relationship. My beliefs about teaching are demonstrated through my love for my job and the enthusiasm I show each day. I
believe my enthusiasm encourages my students, and I share in the excitement
of learning with them. I am always looking for new ideas to apply in my lessons to excite and capture my student’s attention. I show them respect and
work hard to develop their self-confidence. I nurture and motivate them. My
classroom is a fun and welcoming place to learn where children manipulate a
wide variety of materials. I encourage families to take an active role in their
child’s learning experience. I get to know them and offer many opportunities
for them to visit our classroom and school throughout the year. I smile, laugh,
and have fun everyday when teaching my students the skills they need to meet
standards and to become productive members of society.”
Lord Baltimore Elementary School
120 Atlantic Avenue
Ocean View, DE 19970
Phone: 302-537-2700
www.irsd.net
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Amanda H. Keppel
Jill Lewandowski
LAKE FOREST SCHOOL DISTRICT
LAKE FOREST CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—GRADE 5 MATH & SCIENCE
WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
PHILLIS WHEATLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL—GRADE 8 SPECIAL ED/MATH, LANGUAGE ARTS
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Bachelors of Arts, Elementary Education
Wilmington College
- Pursuing Graduate Degree in Guidance
Five Years Teaching Experience
- Bachelor of Arts
Wilmington College
Seven Years Teaching Experience
“I entered my first grade classroom with much trepidation clutching
my mother’s hand, wishing she would take me back home. I looked up at my
new teacher, saw her smiling face, and was welcomed like I was the most
important person to ever walk into her room. Mrs. Reese made learning exciting—we sang, we acted, we played, and we learned. My first grade lessons
may be foggy, but I will always remember how wonderful she made me feel.
This changed my perspective about school and from then on I wanted to grow
up to be just like Mrs. Reese.”
“Education was always a huge part of my life—kind of like the family business. Ignoring my background, I pursued a degree in communication,
hoping to parlay my love of writing into a lifetime of wealth and fame. Reality
found me a few years later working as a clerk in the Woodbridge Elementary
School. I had the opportunity to observe the life of teachers. I observed how
they taught, how they communicated with parents, administrators, and how
they cared for their students. I decided I wanted to teach—to make a difference. I knew I could do it.”
“In order to be an effective and successful
teacher, it must come from the heart. If we want children to perform to the
best of their abilities, they need to know we care. It is not enough to just
show an interest in their lives, but we need to become a part of it and invite
them into our own. In our profession, we not only teach our children the academic subjects, but we also incorporate the life skills to become competent
successful people who emerge from our classes enriched for the time having
spent there. In order to do this, we must not only master the content which we
are going to teach, but present it with enthusiasm, exuberance, and excitement. Being a part of the personal or academic success of a student is the best
reward I can attain in my profession. What I wanted most when I grew up was
to make a difference. I try to make a difference to each student who walks
into my classroom and, to do that, I have to assume many different roles.
These roles include life coach, disciplinarian, motivator, and surrogate
mother. I make it a point to let all children know how much I care about
them, how special they are, and how much potential they have. I model appropriate ways to deal with conflicts and how to work as a team. I take my
role as a teacher very seriously. I am a person who gains respect from students because I respect them. For these reasons, my students listen when I
talk, learn when I teach, and walk out of my classroom improved both academically and personally.”
“During my tenure as a school secretary, I was
privileged to observe excellence in education—teachers who took their profession seriously and went the extra mile for their students. When I became a
teacher, I became determined to teach as if my students were my kids. My
kids learn best when the teacher takes the time to get to know who they are.
They also learn best when their differences are recognized and valued. We
spend time talking about what makes each of us unique. Discussing different
cultures, beliefs, and abilities, recognizing that we all have different strengths
and valuing the uniqueness of the individual give my students a sense of
worth. My kids learn best when the importance of learning is stressed and
accompanied by high expectations. I expect work to be completed and revised
until it is completed correctly. I ask about what they’re learning in all of their
classes. My students know that I communicate with their other teachers about
their progress. I stay after school for study sessions and to provide time to
complete projects. My kids learn best when they are given choices in the
classroom. Making room for student choice allows my kids to have ownership
of their learning, strengthening their personal connection to the subject matter.
The rewards I have found in teaching my students in this manner are both
quantifiable but at the same time, immeasurable. Even more important to me
than scores on tests, are the positive comments I’ve received from parents over
the years. My students are my kids. This is how I teach. This is what I believe. All kids learn best when they know the teacher cares. My kids know I
care. Just ask them.”
Lake Forest Central Elementary School
5424 Killens Pond Road
Felton, DE 19943
Phone: 302-284-5810
www.k12.de.us/lakeforest
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Phillis Wheatley Middle School
48 Church Street
Bridgeville, DE 19933
Phone: 302-337-3469
www.wsd.k12.de.us
Page
Page
2023
Don A. Golacinski
SUSSEX TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUSSEX TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 9-12 GRAPHIC PRODUCTION & DESIGN ART
- Bachelor of Arts Degree
Wilmington College
- Masters of Education, School Leadership and Instruction
- Coursework in Special Education
- Educational Technology Certificate
Yvette F. Bourne
LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT
NORTH LAUREL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—GRADE 2
Eastern Nazarene College
- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education
Wilmington College
- Masters of Education, School Counseling
Salisbury University
- Coursework
Twenty-one Years Teaching Experience
Twelve Years Teaching Experience
“Long before I became familiar with Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, there was a sense that I saw the world a bit differently than my
classmates. Lessons that came easy to other students confused and frustrated me.
I began to withdraw and concluded that I simply wasn’t one of the bright ones. My
saving grace as a student was that I was always able to draw and paint. In junior
high once a week during art class, I was able to shine and create wonderful products with my hands. I would stumble and fail when asked to write a story, but ask
me to illustrate that story and you were playing to my strengths.”
“Upon entering my classroom, you are greeted by
an old Chinese proverb that states, ‘Teachers may open the door, but you must
enter by yourself.’ I have spent my professional teaching career keeping that door
open as wide as possible. My personal philosophy for teaching is to create lessons
that foster imaginative, creative thinking. Perhaps this is contrary to current trends
practiced in some educational circles that call for scripted lessons with little regard
for innovation on the part of the teacher or student. I desperately want to spark and
encourage individual creative thinking in my classroom. I believe fostering a climate that rewards intentional accidents will lead to a lifelong joy of learning. How
is creativity facilitated within a structured learning environment? Teaching creativity begins with examining how we teach. Do I teach the way I learned? Do I
demonstrate or rather allow students to practice skill? Will I define problems
rather than showing examples and then guide my students through that open door?
I challenge myself to pose open-ended questions that encourage divergent thinking,
create activities that speak to all learning styles, and structure my assessment to
measure students’ true achievements. Students will not get excited about learning
if I am not excited about teaching. I set the tempo and mood of my classroom by
my demeanor. Teachers cannot fix every problem young people bring into the
classroom, but they can create a positive learning environment that allows the individual student the possibility of ninety minutes of success. My primary mission is
to nurture, challenge motivate my students and provide learning opportunities for
self-expression.”
Sussex Technical High School
P. O. Box 351
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: 302-856-0961
www.sussexvt.k12.de.us
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“Mrs. Catherine Ruston was my first grade teacher. She was a lady
that looked elderly only because of her beautifully styled white hair. She was
always dressed perfectly without a hair out of place. She greeted you at the
door each day with a ‘good morning’ and a smile. When she closed the door,
you knew it was going to be a fun and exciting day filled with lots of learning.
I always felt that she was a constant in my otherwise confused home life. She
inspired me to realize that school was important and that I could overcome
circumstances that were beyond my control and be an excellent student. I trust
that she would be proud of me today.”
“Webster’s dictionary defines teaching as
‘showing or helping someone to learn how to do something.’ What an overwhelming responsibility we have as educators! Showing or helping a student
can occur in a variety of different ways if we as instructors allow ourselves to
be open and see students possessing a wealth of unique qualities. Academics
are, of course, our major focus, yet there are numerous other factors that maximize one’s learning potential and play an important role in how we learn. A
positive, inviting learning environment, an atmosphere of respect and fairness,
and teaching methods varied according to each student’s learning needs and
styles are just a few of those important factors. Getting to know your students
on a personal level allows you to learn their needs and particular learning
styles. Each new face in September comes to you as a spirit that is waiting to
awaken, not one to be crushed. Educators have the awesome responsibility of
opening the door and guiding each one to a new place of success, however big
or small. As a teacher of twenty-one years, I try to constantly remember that I
have these students but for a short time. While they are placed in my care, my
responsibilities are numerous. W. B. Yates states, ‘Education is not the filling
of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.’ I trust I have had the honor and privilege
of igniting a few flames throughout my teaching career.”
North Laurel Elementary School
300 Wilson Street
Laurel, DE 19956
Phone: 302-875-6130
www.k12.de.us/laurel
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Kathy Miller Wetherhold
MILFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 9-12 MUSIC/CHORAL
SMYRNA SCHOOL DISTRICT
SMYRNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—GRADE 3
- A.A.S.
- Bachelor of Science
- Masters of Instruction
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary & Special Education
Magna cum Laude
Wilmington College
- Masters of Education in Applied Educational Technology
Seventeen Years Teaching Experience
Six Years Teaching Experience
“My Daddy was a preacher and my Mama was a teacher. While
those may sound like the lyrics to a song, the description accurately portrays the
dynamics of my family. From my earliest memories, both service to others and
education were highly valued. I developed a passion for music because our
household was filled with wonderful sounds. Mom enjoyed playing the piano,
and Dad had a beautiful voice. It was a blessing to be taught by example.”
“Students don’t care what you know until they
know that you care. I care, and I know that I make a positive difference in the
lives of my students. The nature of music and the special relationships transform the classroom environment into one that is intense and highly personal.
While I am able to share my knowledge daily, I believe that my most important
gifts are time, care, concern, and accessibility. My relationship with students
does not exist solely in the classroom. I consider any type of encounter with a
student to be a potential learning situation. Benjamin Disraeli said that: ‘The
greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but reveal
to him his own.’ I take this as a challenge to meet students where they are. If a
student invites me to see them perform at their church or at their rock band’s
concert, I always try to attend. If they’re performing in community theatre or in
a recital, I’m there cheering them on! I value my students and accept them as
they are. My purpose is to empower them to leave their comfort zones and work
on areas in their lives that are not strengths. I strive to earn their trust and provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can take risks. The greatest rewards I receive, however, are when students reach out to other students, sharing
their talents and themselves. Students provide other students with transportation, concert attire, and special coaching outside of school time. I display a
quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson in our classroom: ‘No man can truly help
another without helping himself.’ This is a motto that I live by, and I have seen
many of my students embrace it as well.”
Milford High School
1019 North Walnut Street
Milford, DE 19963
Phone: 302-422-1610
www.milfordschooldistrict.com
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Billy A. Davis
“As a child, my hard-working grandmother took great pride in making my play experiences meaningful and educational as she multi-tasked
throughout her busy day as a farmer’s wife. As I grew older, a realization
regarding my future came to my grandmother one day as she entertained company. When I was introduced, she noted that I was going to become a teacher,
and she said this with a tone and poise indicating that she was completely sure
of herself. My grandmother’s prediction made me realize that she saw potential in me.”
“It is my goal as a teacher to provide an enthusiastic and comfortable learning environment that my students will look forward
to each day. Recognition of the various learning styles and needs of my students provide the initiative to guide my instructional strategies and to create a
community of learners. It is important for my students to be able to transfer
the skills that they learn in my classroom to the world in which they live. I
believe that learning is much more meaningful to students when they are given
a clear indication of how they can use the information presented to them.
Integration of all content areas whenever possible is very important. Students
should be able to notice the direct as well as indirect relationships among subjects. I plan my instruction around the characteristics and profiles of my students. Exposure to diversity in the classroom encourages my students to be
well-rounded individuals and members of a society in which everyone is valued as unique. I find many rewards in teaching. I love to see students’ excitement as they meet their individual goals in my classroom. I feel that I have
helped to foster this enthusiasm and success by providing a positive environment and persistent motivation to forge ahead, putting forth the best effort on a
daily basis. In addition, it is rewarding for me when parents specifically describe how I have impacted their children to succeed, especially in situations
where incredible growth is witnessed not only in the area of academic but in
attitude and behavior as well. These rewards keep me focused on my goal—to
be an outstanding teacher for each of my students.”
Smyrna Elementary School
121 South School Lane
Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone: 302-653-8588
www.smyrna.k12.de.us
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Dara Lynn Laws
Brian A. Gross
SEAFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAFORD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 9-12—ENGLISH
NEW CASTLE COUNTY VO-TECH SCHOOL DISTRICT
DELCASTLE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 10-12 BIOLOGY
- Bachelor of Arts
- Continuing Education coursework
- Teaching Certification
- Continuing Education coursework
Franklin and Marshall College
- Bachelor of Arts, Biology and Anthropology
University of Delaware—A.R.T.C.
- Secondary Science Certification
- Pursuing Masters of Instruction Degree
Eight Years Teaching Experience
Ten Years Teaching Experience
“I come from a family of educators. Education and educators, in
one form or another, have always surrounded me. Books, education field
trips, summer schoolwork at the kitchen table, and constant learning were
mainstays of my younger years. Good grades were expected, and a degree in
higher education was a requirement. Observing and absorbing the importance of education is one factor that influenced me to become a teacher.”
“My winding path of life experiences had lead me to the base of a magnificent mountain, and I’ve been climbing ever since. I have a core enthusiasm for
learning science, which I enjoy sharing, and I know that in this job, there is no limit
to how high I can climb. I became a teacher to spark curiosity in my students, make
connections between their home-lives and school-lives, and affect students on a
level that transcends the one semester I have with them. I aspire to inspire.”
“I consider teaching the act of sharing information and knowledge that I have with students I have been charged to instruct.
There are rules to be followed, and expectations to be set forth, but the passing
of knowledge from one to another must remain the central focus of the classroom. This, in my opinion, is best achieved when there is mutual respect
between the students and the teacher. I also enjoy what I teach. I believe that
this is crucial in order for quality instruction to take place. Literature, especially British Literature, can be very boring. However, I had teachers that
made literature fun and exciting, and I feel that I do the same in my classes.
One way that I make literature come alive is to incorporate games in creative
ways. To make learning more appealing, I have tried to show students that
learning can be fun and it can be used in real-life situations. Basic reading and
writing skills can be incredibly uninteresting. It is a difficult task keeping the
interest of students. My challenge to students is to ‘impress me.’ I encourage
them to analyze things and give examples that I have never heard from another student. Students are always up for the challenge of sounding smarter
than someone else or doing something better than someone else. If done carefully, this can inspire a love of performing well which, sometimes unbeknownst to the students, inspires a love of learning. In order to answer and
analyze better, they have to read more carefully, draw better conclusions,
make connections that are sometimes out of the box, and write with more
distinct voice and figurative language. It is not just a matter of sharing what I
know, but it’s showing students how to apply those things in everyday life that
is the most rewarding.”
“My philosophy is that learning can and should be
fun, and structured. I believe that I need to know and teach each individual student
based on their needs. Some kids need ‘fun’. I also firmly believe in using many
forms of lesson structures to achieve my learning goals. I want to affect my students in a way that is permanent; so I start backwards. I have implemented a curriculum that is based on the principles of Understanding by Design (Wiggins and
McTighe 2005). To be effective, a teacher must have a thorough understanding of
the curriculum being taught, including both content and pedagogy. My ability as a
teacher in the classroom is influenced by my activities outside of it. As a result of
hundreds of hours of training and curriculum writing for the state, district, and
school, I believe I know what students must learn and the roadblocks they’ll encounter on the way. I start with the objectives and assessments, then I plan the lessons that will get my students to the essential goal. This, of course, is the fun part.
We all know the few teachers that really inspired us; I want to be one of them. I
work to create an experience in my classroom that is balanced between fun activities and rigorous work. Class can be motivating and exciting, but we know that
students must earn the knowledge they acquire in order for them to value it. In
doing my part, I try to actively manage and maintain a standard of behavior and a
work ethic that is both professional and challenging. It is my primary objective as a
teacher to affect my students for the long term, to create life-long learners. I want
them to love science as I do. Though I structure my class to be rigorous, standardsbased, and academic, the experience is blended with an emotional connection: passion, fear, a little humor and a sprinkle of curious excitement. My philosophy is
simple: to make learning fun.”
Seaford Senior High School
399 North Market Street Extended
Seaford, DE 19973
Phone: 302-629-4587
www.seaford.k12.de.us
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Delcastle Technical High School
1417 Newport Road
Phone: 302-995-8100
www.nccvotech.com
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Dan Lettieri
Caridad Alonso
POLYTECH SCHOOL DISTRICT
POLYTECH HIGH SCHOOL—GRADES 9-12—LEADERSHIP ED/AVIATION CAREERS
Wilmington College
- B.S.—Personnel Management
- M.S.—Human Resource Management
- M.Ed.—Elementary Studies
- Administration in School Leadership
Twelve Years Teaching Experience
“While attending 12 years of school, I saw all teachers as substitute
parents. They would teach me about mathematics, history, geography, English,
literature, health, fitness, and most importantly, life. The teachers explained
how my actions would determine my outlook on life. The decisions I would
make, whether right or wrong, and how responsible I would be for those decisions, would show whether I would be a good citizen or not. These teachers
made a difference in my life; I decided this was the kind of influence I wanted to
have on others.”
“Personally, I enjoy teaching. There is nothing
like the experience of presenting information to interested students, who have a
strong desire to know, to understand, and to visualize. Even non-motivated
students want to learn. I believe education should be a learning process for the
student and teacher. I find that teaching students of different learning levels
intensifies the education process. I like to make the students feel comfortable in
the classroom setting, which sets the stage for questions, answers, solutions, and
imagination. Students should be challenged but not intimidated. Most importantly, I teach students that life is too important to waste; therefore, they should
value education and skills learned in class will be beneficial to their success in
the future. Student learning should be creative, interesting, demanding, and, at
times, fun. Lifelong learning is the key to attaining future goals. My teaching
style is one filled with lots of enthusiasm, innovativeness, hard work, and high
expectations. The rewards I find are the satisfaction of seeing success in my
students. It could be as simple as completing a class project and getting a good
grade for students who have difficulty being successful in academics. It could
be watching students play sports, act in the school play, and sound out high
notes with musical instruments. More importantly, I find the biggest reward in
knowing I am there to help all students, especially those at-risk, to become productive citizens for a better America. Most rewarding is the value and importance I find in knowing I’ve made a difference in preparing my students to meet
the challenges of life after high school.”
POLYTECH High School
823 Walnut Shade Road
Woodside, DE 19980
Phone: 302-697-3255
www.polytech.k12.de.us
Page15
18
Page
RED CLAY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT
WILLIAM C. LEWIS DUAL LANGUAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL—GRADES 1-5
SPANISH READING SPECIALIST
- Bachelor of Arts and Science
Eleven Years Teaching Experience
“Upon graduating from the University of Delaware, I did not have a
clear vision for a career path. At the time, my mother, a recently retired veteran teacher of over 35 years in the Red Clay Consolidated School District
and a strong advocate for the Hispanic Community, suggested that I pursue a
career in the education field. She gave me valuable advice when she stated it
was a profession that would allow me to move, touch and inspire others.”
“Teaching is not just a job for me. It is my passion. In fact, I know I was born to do this. Each school year, I am dedicated
to creating a positive instructional climate where my students feel encouraged,
safe and excited to learn. My philosophy of education is a student-centered
one. I see myself as a facilitator of the learning process. I strongly feel that
every child has learning potential and with effective quality instruction it can
be unleashed. I believe parental involvement is critical for student achievement. Teachers and administrators need to view parents as integral partners in
the academic achievement and well being of their students. Schools must seek
to create a learning environment where parent participation is welcomed and
encouraged. For example, I am very sensitive to the culture shock our immigrant parents and students feel when they come to this country. I always try to
be caring, inviting and receptive to them when they walk through the school
doors. I greet and welcome them with a smile and let them know their child
will be safe, nurtured, and cared for at William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School. I want parents to have a voice in their children’s education
and will do what is necessary to hear them and get them actively involved.
The teaching profession has a huge impact on the individual as well as on
society. As an educator, I accept the responsibility of becoming a lifelong
learner as new ideas, new technology and new ways to approach teaching
become available. I thrive on opportunities to learn more, reflect upon these
and put them into practice. I also have the challenge as our world becomes
more diverse to find ways to meet the educational needs of each student and to
make an effort to understand each individual’s experiences.”
William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School
920 North Van Buren Street
Phone: 302-651-2695
www.redclay.k12.de.us
Page
Page
16 19

2007 Teacher of the Year Program

Transcription

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