Proud to be an Engaged Educator...
Welcoming in our classroom a Tennessee Teacher of the Year reaffirms my belief in the power of engagement.
Ms. Cathy Pressnell was present, engaged and excited because she was learning new things. Yes, a new day for learning applies to each of us... We make that choice to learn something new and Cathy made our day.
The students were beyond spectacular - excited to be there... attentive, respectful, curious, applying the 4 C's, learning more about EDP (Engineering Design Process)... and Cathy was in the midst of the action.
Once a teacher... always a teacher...
Yes, Cathy Pressnell, TN Department of Education, Director of Educator Engagement
* 2015 Tennessee Teacher of the Year -
Discovers how entertaining and challenging Ozobots can be (thanks to Studio NPL - Nashville Public LIbrary)
Mrs. Pressnell asked how I did it?
I asked: What do you mean?
Cathy asked: "How do you pay attention to each student? How do you know what they need? How do you handle the challenges in the classroom?"
I responded: "Passion for teaching guides my days. I am worried about the students' needs. STEAM is demanding and I try to integrate all the lessons so the students' expectations are fulfilled.
The students ask everyday -- what are we going to do today?
I laugh -- if I tell them, it does not work...
I show, I guide and the students understand they need to use their problem solving skills!"
Mrs. Pressnell asked: What would you do 20 years ago with your present knowledge?
I asnwered: "I learned that community partnerships is one of the key resources that any teacher can use to support a learning process.
Plus, seek and generate more professional development opportunities."
The doors to our classroom will always be open to all wanting to share knowledge and a passion for education, fully engaged!
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