Page 7 - Storyboard March 2017

Amy Parsons, Tropical Elementary,
sixth grade ELA
Hands down, building relationships with each student is the key.
Second, be funny! Laugh at yourself. (This is key to a new teacher, we all make mistakes, admit
it and move on. That makes you human and relatable to students.)
I teach to the heart of the child, and it is imperative you get to know them, really know them, in order for them to grow as a student. This takes time, and my advice to new teachers is to take the time. As much as you think you can’t with all that you have on your plate, take the time. I have students and parents from years past tell me that they knew I cared.
Jennifer Pruett, Croton Elementary, sixth grade
I feel that one of the most important approaches that I take with my students
is building relationships. I work to build the relationships, build trust, and to get them to work on areas they struggle. From the academic standpoint, I look at what their strengths are and what areas they need to work on and I work with them individually.
Vicki Taber, Fairglen Elementary,
fifth grade math and science
Each year I work on motivating my students and changing their mindsets. I have been told by
my students that I make learning fun and that I take the time to do whatever it takes for them to be successful. Their thinking changes to a “I know I can do this” attitude with this approach to teaching. I also feel that creating a safe, risk- free classroom is very important with mistakes and laughter accepted throughout the day.
Julio Torres, Kennedy Middle, seventh-
and eighth-grade language arts
The most important step that I’ve taken as a language arts teacher is to read every single word in their essays and written responses. Based on all of my comments and feedback written all over their essays, students realize
I do read every single word, every single idea. Students learn to appreciate the time I invest in their essays and written responses.
Christine Williams, Ralph Williams Elementary, sixth-grade English language arts and social studies
Building relationships is key to the success
of students’ learning. If students feel safe, respected, and that you believe in them, they will work to
attain the
expectations set up for them to achieve.
Karla Skinner, DeLaura Middle, seventh-
and eighth-grade intensive language arts Communication is key in making gains. I make
it a priority to send out weekly newsletters and emails to parents to inform them of current standards we are covering, homework and projects. At least once a month, I have data chats with my students one-on-one so they can see where they are, where they need to be, and set goals. I truly get to know my students and do everything I can to motivate them based not only on need, but also on their interests.
BPS STORYBOARD - March, 2017 - VOL V, ISSUE 6 - PAGE 7