Rosann Lynn Bagdasarian from Hallandale Adult Community
School in Hallandale:
Rosann Bagdasarian has been a teacher for 25 years and knows that,
like a suit, one size does not fit all. Over the years, she has developed
numerous methods of reaching her students.
"I tailor my instruction to meet the strengths and needs of each
and every student," Ms. Bagdasarian said. "I try to help
others see that not all students will learn the same thing, on the
same day and in the same way."
Ms. Bagdasarian works with mentally, physically and emotionality challenged
students and knows there is no such thing as a small goal or a small
achievement. To her, students are "diamonds in the rough"
and she builds on the successes of her students as a way to ignite
the love of learning.
"I am passionate about leaving the world a better place because
of my efforts," Ms. Bagdasarian said. "I know I make a difference
– I teach."
Edna D. Craig from Harbordale Elementary in Fort
Lauderdale:
Edna Craig uses a traditional approach to teaching, emphasizing core
curriculum as the foundation to learning. Over the past 26 years,
Ms. Craig has worked to help her students appreciate who they are
and to value others.
"It is my hope that my students will gain, as John Rosemond states,
the three 'Rs" of life – Respect, Responsibility and Resourcefulness,"
Ms. Craig said.
Interaction plays a major role in Ms. Craig's classroom. But it doesn't
just involve her students. Parents play an important part too.
"I believe that ongoing communication with my students' parents
will encourage the development of the idea of 'Student as Worker',"
Ms. Craig said. "It is important to make the connection between
school and home."
Angela Fulton from Silver Trail Middle in Pembroke
Pines:
When you walk into Angela Fulton's mathematics classroom, you immediately
know where you stand. That's because there is a huge sign that reads:
Leave Your Excuses at the Door! And that is a philosophy Ms. Fulton
has adhered to during her eight-year teaching career.
"I don't allow my students to make excuses for anything, especially
their learning," Ms. Fulton said. "They are held to high
expectations and are accountable for their actions."
To help her students along their educational journey, Ms. Fulton uses
various methods of instruction. From cooperative groups to the use
of manipulatives, Ms. Fulton is constantly looking for new ways to
get her students excited about math. She even organized her school's
first-ever Family Math Night, which provided first-hand experiences
for parents so they could better understand what their children were
learning in school.
Nina Kovachy from Maplewood Elementary School in Coral Springs:
An educator for 30 years, Nina Kovachy has learned a thing or two
about the teaching profession. She has made it a point to work to
strengthen her vocation every chance she gets. Whether it is a simple
gesture of a note welcoming someone to the teaching world or more
formal role of a peer teacher or supervising teacher, Ms. Kovachy
works hard as a team player.
"The saying, 'You never learn something so well as when you must
teach it to another,' is very true," said Ms. Kovachy. "And
I have found that learning is best achieved when my students are directly
involved in hands-on activities and they see connection to other learning
and the 'real world'."
Ms. Kovachy treats all students with respect and lets them know they
are valued and very special. "Children are people, they are just
short people," said Ms. Kovachy. "But they remain worthy
of the dignity that all of us deserve.
Ms. Kovachy knows that teaching is a both a huge responsibility and
a tremendous privilege. "I try always to treat students the way
I wanted other teachers to treat my own sons."
Cathy Kuhns from Country Hills Elementary in Coral
Springs:
Cathy Kuhns has been an educator for 18 years, spending the last 10
years as a first- and second-grade teacher at Country Hills Elementary.
Being a teacher, Ms. Kuhns has learned one very important lesson herself
– that is, you never stop learning.
She makes it a point to read up on the latest teaching techniques
and methods and she believes it is important she continue learning
about the world she lives in. Along with working with students, Ms.
Kuhns mentors fellow teachers – both within her school community
as well as teachers from out of state.
"I am delighted to open my room to teachers for discussion and
observation," she said.
Early on, Ms. Kuhns learned that educating children didn't stop with
the students – parents also needed to be involved in the educational
process. Her students' parents know they are always welcome in her
classroom and she encourages volunteers to work with her. Said Ms.
Kuhns: "I am always eager to share the hard, powerful and important
work that teachers are accomplishing every day with the children who
will impact our future."
Kate Treado from Sheridan Hills Elementary in
Hollywood:
If there is one thing Kate Treado wants people to know, it's that
the old idea of a librarian doesn't apply anymore. Whereas in years
past, a school's library was usually associated with the Dewey Decimal
system or bound encyclopedia sets, today it involves the latest technology
– both hardware and software – that are used to enhance
the educational process.
"Remember the stereotypical librarian uttering, 'shhhhhh,' checking
out books and chasing down overdues – well that's not me,"
Ms. Treado says with a laugh. "My role as the media specialist
is dynamic, multi-faceted and highly influential in its impact on
the students and teachers at my school."
Ms. Treado, an educator for 13 years, has made her media center the
hub of Sheridan Hills Elementary's instructional program. She is a
great resource for teachers and her knowledge of the curriculum directly
influences classroom instruction.
At Sheridan Hills Elementary, if students are asking, "What's
the problem?"; Where should I go for the answer?"; What
all do I have?"; What is important?"; How does it fit together?";
"What have I learned?"; there is one person they know they
can turn to – Ms. Treado.
Annejeanette M. Washington-Wooten from Rickards Middle in Oakland Park:
Every day, Annejeanette Washington-Wooten empowers her students to
learn and teaches them to go beyond what's on the surface to seek
life's truths and achieve academic success. Ms. Washington-Wooten
has been teaching sixth-grade social studies and reading at Rickards
Middle for her entire nine-year career.
"I show my students as well as my fellow teachers that learning
is the key to success," Ms. Washington-Wooten said. "I urge
my students to achieve high standards in every assignment, not just
those from my classroom."
Visit her classroom and you'll see students actively engaged in projects,
cooperative groups and other learning activities.
For Ms. Washington-Wooten, teaching is her passion. She visits colleges
and universities across Florida, encouraging students to earn a degree
in education. She explains from the heart how teaching would have
a positive impact not only on the lives of children, but on them as
well.
