A NEW WAY TO SPLASH

Theresa Whitehead Westbrooke Elementary School

Theresa Whitehead is a second-grade teacher at Westbrooke Elementary School. Principal Alex Reyes said of Whitehead: “She is always willing to help teachers and students. She has excellent rapport with the students and parents. Mrs. Whitehead provides a calm and at the same time rigorous learning environment for the students. She is a great team player.” Whitehead is a team leader and in charge of planning and implementing lessons. She was named Teacher of the Month in 2022.

What brought you to your school?

A neighbor of mine told me about this school being built and that I should apply. I was working as a secondgrade teacher at the time at a wonderful school — Palm Lake Elementary. However, my children were involved in extracurricular activities, and this new school, Westbrooke Elementary, would be closer to my home and help with my personal taxi service for my children. I was lucky enough to get an interview with Mr. Bixler and had to make the tough decision to leave Palm Lake for my family. I now have been at Westbrooke since the doors first opened 15 years ago.

What do you love most about your school?

What I love most about my school is my class family, all my students — from past to present. The community is wonderful and supportive.

I also appreciate my second-grade team; these ladies are an amazing group of educators that really put the students’ learning first. My school is full of supportive staff — office staff, lunch staff, custodial staff and administrative staff.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is when I can celebrate with my students their personal success — when they say, “I read that, Mrs. Whitehead, and understand it!” (and) “Mrs. Whitehead, I want to learn.”

Motivation is seeing how I motivate my students to work hard in whole group, small group and on their own to learn. My motivation is sitting with a student and working together to learn. Students are my motivation.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy attending my son’s baseball games, visiting with my daughter on the phone who lives in Atlanta. Love reading a good book (and) watching a good positive show, “Ted Lasso.”

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Davis. She was my first-grade teacher. She made me feel special and worked with me.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would play school with my sisters. I have always loved working with others and helping children learn and be proud of themselves.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett. I love this book because the narrative and illustrations. She gives her readers a preview of what may happen in the story with her illustrations.

What are your hobbies?

I love to make wreaths for doors.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have a superpower, it would be to duplicate myself so that I could help or do more for others. Sometimes, I need 20 of me for my class family.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Three artists I would listen to are Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire and Michael Bublé, because they have music that feeds my spirit! I can dance to them when cleaning house, grading papers etc.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

My go-to lunch was peanutbutter-and-jelly as an elementary student.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas — first and foremost to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which is the main thing in life. Also love this holiday (because) I get to celebrate with family members with traditional cooking from my mom — tamales, pozole, bizcochitos and other sweet treats. Love to decorate the inside and outside of my home.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend was Wendy Cox, because she listened to me and made me laugh. We only connect now through Facebook.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

In school, I was in choir, drama club and drill dance team. My choir team did win many events. My drill dance team took state my senior year. I did perform in many plays, especially loved playing Liesel from “The Sound of Music” in high school.

— ANDREA MUJICA