learn | featured teacher
Maddie Ward What inspired you to become a teacher?
Photos courtesy of Maddie Ward
AT WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK? Meadowbrook Elementary School WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH? Kindergarten, this year I am teaching fully online (Digital Academy) HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER? This is my second year WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH? All subjects – reading, math, science, social studies, writing, social/emotional learning
My teachers played a foundational role in shaping me into the person I am today. Specifically, my fourth grade teacher Ms. Connie Davis is who inspired me to teach. She was one of the first teachers to communicate that she cared about me as a person – not just as a student or as a grade. She took an interest in our lives outside of school – if you invited her to your dance recital or piano concert, she was there. She created special events like family kickball games one weekend a month so that she could get to know and build relationships with each family outside of school. I learned a lot from Ms. Davis that year, but what I remember most is how she made me feel. One of my favorite quotes embodies the philosophy and mindset I strive to implement in my classroom daily. As stated by Rita Pierson, I believe that every child deserves a champion – “an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” I desire to be that champion for my students – who loves them as they are and encourages each one to reach their full potential. I know that the classroom (even a virtual one!) may be the only place that a student hears that they are valued. Teachers have such a unique ability to positively influence the trajectory of a student’s entire life.
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Creating a safe classroom environment is of utmost importance to me. A space where students take risks, embrace mistakes (and learn from them) and share ideas. An environment where students grow not only academically, but socially, mentally and emotionally. Learning should be a fun experience. As teachers, it is important to create moments and opportunities that allow and encourage students to nurture their enthusiasm for learning. I try to build on the memories that I had as a student to cultivate fun, new learning experiences with my class.
What is your favorite part of the school day? It is difficult to pick! I love our Morning Meeting time. We dance for two minutes while my students are entering our Zoom meeting. Then I greet each student by name and they say good morning to their classmates. In the past, I stood in my doorway to greet each student with a hug, wave, high five or fist bump. Although we are learning and connecting digitally this year, it was still very important to me that I greet each student by name before starting our school day. My favorite subject to teach in reading. It is such a joy to see how much kindergarteners progress in their reading skills, ability and confidence throughout the year. Celebrating even the smallest of victories and “aha” moments with them is something I truly treasure.
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