Elizabeth Heath, 1st Grade Teacher at Waller Mill Elementary School, was voted Teacher of the Month – January 2015
Elizabeth Heath, 1st Grade Teacher at Waller Mill Elementary School was voted January 2015 Williamsburg’s Choice Teacher of the Month, by the community. She is pictured here with her certificate and a gift card for School Crossing from owner Sherry Phipps. Voting took place on www.WilliamsburgFamilies.com and www.School-Crossing.com. Williamsburg’s Choice is a partnership between WilliamsburgFamilies.com, School Crossing and The Virginia Gazette. Vote Now for Feb 2015 Teacher of the Month.
Mrs. Heath was kind enough to answer a few questions for us. Read on to learn more about this wonderful local teacher!
1. How long have you been teaching and teaching at Waller Mill Elementary?
This is my sixth year teaching, and my fourth year at Waller Mill.
2. What drew you to teaching, teaching at Waller Mill Elementary and was there any particular reason you chose to teach 1st grade?
I wanted to have a meaningful career where I could make a difference. My sister-in-law, Kelly Skinner, worked at Waller Mill, and I knew it was an amazing school. When I moved back to my hometown, it was my dream to work at Waller Mill.
3. Can you mention a project where you were able to engage the kids outside of the classroom or stories that you heard where they brought their learning home?
We have started using Writer’s Workshop at our school. It is very simple, and not necessarily a project, but these kids don’t want to stop writing! They are constantly asking for paper and materials to bring home. I had one student who was working on an alphabet book dedicated to his new baby cousin. He was out sick and asked for his mom to bring materials home so he could finish his book. His parents had to video tape him sharing his story, rather than waiting and sharing on the “authors chair” at school. He just couldn’t wait to give his book to his cousin.
4. What perspective have you gained from being around 6 & 7 year olds all day?
I learn from them every day. Last week we were brainstorming “dreams” they have for the world after we discussed the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. One child’s dream was “that everyone have a good condition of life, so they can live safely.” After hearing their ideas, I feel these kids are ready to take on the world!
5. What do you want your students to be able to do when they leave your classroom – that you know will prepare them for further education and life in general?.
First grade is obviously a critical year for reading. I want them to develop a passion for reading. I want them to become confident readers who know how to find their next “can’t put down” book. In addition to reading, I want them to learn how to collaborate and communicate with their peers and teachers.
6. If you could ask parents to do one thing to help their children’s academic success what would it be?
Help their child to be independent at home. Whether they are helping prepare dinner, or tying their own shoes. Help them realize the perks of being self-sufficient.
7. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you and/or your class that you find you post, read, share or just meditate on?
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it was stupid.” -Albert Einstein
This quote reminds me to find the genius in each of my students.
9. Are you from Williamsburg? If not, where are you from, what brought you here?
My family moved to Williamsburg from California when I was in elementary school. After graduating from JMU, I lived in Richmond and Virginia Beach. I am excited to call Williamsburg home again.
10. Do you have any life lessons that the students in your class have taught you – maybe a short story about kindness, sharing or just a First Grader’s perspective?
The students blow me away with their empathy. There is a lot of diversity in a public school classroom. The students come from all backgrounds and ability levels. In first grade, I am working with students reading from the beginning of kindergarten to the end of third grade. When we discuss fairness in my room, the students can explain that fairness doesn’t mean that everyone gets the SAME thing, but that everyone gets what they NEED.
We are lucky to have Mrs. Heath in our community and as a teacher!
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