What it means to be a TOY

This past week, we were asked to nominate our peers whom we believe exemplifies what it means to be teacher of the year.  On Wednesday, January 18, I received an email from our principal letting me know that I was one of three staff members chosen as a finalist for this honor.  Being chosen as one of the top 3 finalist for our school's teacher of the year was quite the honor and shock, considering I've only been part of the Falcon family for what feels like 4 short months!  

Meet my best friend, Hayley, was chosen as TOY for elementary during the 2014-2015 school year.  During this time, she was teaching 3rd grade ELA and finishing up her master's of education in child development.  Hayley's focus in our classroom is to foster an environment where all learners are able to achieve success, through the power of play.  Being an advocate for recess has been on the top of Hayley's priorities.  She believes that movement and fresh air are vital to a child's academic achievements.

Hayley was named Region IX Teacher of the Year, which came as a huge surprise to her!  She is extremely humble and always gives credit to everyone else for their contributions.  (I'm just like her!)  Hayley believes her relationships with her teaching partners, yielded the success that earned her the title of Teacher of the Year, for both Graham ISD and Region IX..

Being Named Region IX TOY

October 2015 we headed to Austin for her recognition as Region IX Teacher of Year

Hayley and I met at the beginning of my teaching career, when both of us were teaching at E. Ray Elementary.  She was teaching kindergarten and I was teaching 5th grade.  Months went by as a friendship began to flourish.  We would soon create lessons where we would combine our learners.  There was nothing more exciting for any of us then the day we got to work with our buddies!

Because of Hayley's diverse teaching experiences, ranging from teaching math at our alternative school for 7th graders to high school seniors to teaching our youngest learners in the district in kindergarten, she models a philosophy that all children can achieve success, through differentiated and individualized instruction.

Hayley has encouraged me, along with her fellow teaching partners, to take risks and do what's best for kids.  She serves as an advocate for integrating ELA with all content areas, which explains why I have such a huge library of children's books for my secondary classroom!  Implementing centers in my classroom was the norm, thanks to her guidance and suggestions on how to better meet the needs of my learners.

What I treasure most is that despite living miles apart and teaching different grade levels, we talk daily about the successes in our classroom, as well as the obstacles along the way.  It's these conversations that allow both of us time to reflect on our practices and encourage both of us to want to take risks and implement new strategies.  Hayley continues to leave a huge impact on who I am as a learner, teacher and person!

Below is the criteria our district uses for selecting TOY:

Guidelines for Selecting a Candidate:

1.  Be a highly effective classroom teacher as evidenced by student results.

2.   Must have bachelor's degree and a valid teacher’s certificate.  

3.  Be engaged in or has leadership role in professional learning for themselves and/or others.

4.  Contribute  to  the  professional  community  and  the  school  community  and  culture  in  order  to strengthen the teaching profession.

5.  Examples of community involvement including, but not limited to, serving in a non-profit agency, teaching Sunday School, working at a youth center as a volunteer, etc.

6.  Use technology to enhance student’s learning and depth of understanding.

7.  Be seen as a positive influence among staff, parents and community members.

8.  Create a classroom that strives to reach all learners using a variety of techniques.

9.  Student focused.

How would you rate your self?  The next 6 posts will be part of a series on what makes one a candidate for teacher of the year.