Mary Beth Michaels, 4th Grade Teacher at Walsingham Academy, is Teacher of the Month – April 2014
Mary Beth Michaels, 4th Grade teacher at Walsingham Academy is Williamsburg’s Choice ~ Teacher of the Month for April 2014. Voting by the community took place on www.WilliamsburgFamilies.com and www.School-Crossing.com. Ms. Michaels is pictured receiving her certificate and a gift card to School Crossing from Sherry Phipps owner of School Crossing.
1. How long have you been teaching and teaching at WA?
I have been teaching for 16 years at Walsingham Academy. I have taught 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades.
2. What drew you to teaching, teaching at WA and was there any particular reason you chose to teach 4th Grade?
I was drawn to the teaching profession because I wanted to work with children. I remember the bond and connection I had as a student with some of my favorite teachers. They encouraged and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. I wanted to provide the same for children. Also, as a child I remember playing school in my bedroom with my mini-chalk board and my Cabbage Patch dolls.
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?
Most recently, our 4th graders made Easter door decorations for a local nursing home. My students sang religious/spiritual songs to bring the peace of Christ to the aging. The children did not realize for a short amount of time the lasting joy they brought to the elderly. I think it is MOST important that our children provide service to those in need.
4. What perspective have you gained from being around 4th Grader’s all day?
The perspective I have gained from being around 4th graders all day is that they are VERY humorous, caring towards one another (me included), and that they want justice! They remind me daily of what is unfair and unjust. I remind them that fairness is not always equality!
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?.
I want my students to leave my classroom knowing they are worth more than an average or score on an assessment. So many students place self-acceptance and worth on grades and benchmarks. I want my students to praise life’s small leaps and great bounds! I want my students to know how truly special and unique they are. I want students to follow their dreams, and know that they have all the power and control to achieve those dreams. If they continue to work towards that goal and never give up, it will become a reality.
6. If you could ask parents to do one thing to help their children’s academic success what would it be?
I have a few requests from parents:
- Drill basic math facts.
- Read as much as you can get your hands on.
- Foster your child’s true gifts and talents.
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?
A favorite quote by Martin Luther King, Jr
“If you can’t fly, then run,
if you can’t run, then walk,
if you can’t walk, then crawl,
but whatever you do,
keep moving forward.
9. Are you from Williamsburg? If not, where are you from, what brought you here?
I am originally from Hampton, VA. Having attended Peninsula Catholic High School, I often competed in sporting events against Walsingham Academy. I absolutely loved the area.
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 4th Grader’s perspective?
Two important lessons I have learned from children are unconditional love and it is ok to play!
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