Mrs. Tina Pitts 2nd Grade Teacher at Stonehouse Elementary – Teacher of the Month Feb 2016
Mrs. Tina Pitts, 2nd Grade Teacher at Stonehouse Elementary School, accepted her Teacher of the Month for Feb 2016 award from Bob Phipps owner of School Crossing. Voting took place WilliamsburgFamilies.com & School-Crossing.com. Teacher of the Month is a program presented by School Crossing, The Virginia Gazette and WilliamsburgFamilies.com. Learn more about Mrs. Tina Pitts from the following Q&A; see why she won it!
1. How long have you been teaching and teaching at Stonehouse Elementary?
This is my 22nd year teaching and my 7th year at Stonehouse.
2. What drew you to teaching, teaching at Stonehouse Elementary and was there any particular reason you chose to teach 2nd grade?
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite activities was “playing school” with my younger sister. I remember at a parent teacher conference when I was in elementary school, my teacher told my parents that I was tutoring other kids in the class who needed help and they were doing better! I had always admired and respected teachers and wanted to be able to do something that would give back to society. I previously taught in Newport News Public Schools, but when my husband and I decided to start a family, we bought a house in Williamsburg. I commuted to Newport News for a few years. After taking a couple of years off with our second daughter, I was lured back to teaching by my best friend who taught at Stonehouse and loved it! Even though I have also taught first and third grades, second grade is my favorite because the students are very eager to learn and so excited about school. They are starting to be independent learners, but still very much love their teacher.
3. What perspective have you gained from being around 7 and 8 year olds all day?
Second graders keep me young. They see the world through a positive light and are excited about learning new things. They make mistakes, but can easily overcome them and move on.
4. 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 be good citizens and problem solvers. Being able to think independently and solve problems will enable them to meet challenges with greater success.
5. If you could ask parents to do one thing to help their children’s academic success what would it be?
I would love for all parents to be active in their child’s education. Keep in touch with the teacher, read daily with their child at home, review homework, participate when they can in school and praise their child for their hard work and successes – these are all important!
6. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you and/or your class that you find you post, read, share or just meditate on?
“It’s not how smart you are that matters, what really counts is how you are smart.”
~ Howard Gardner
Howard Gardner’s theory on Multiple Intelligences urges educators to look for ways to find how a child learns best . Once you determine that, you can bring out the best in every student.
7. Are you from Williamsburg? If not, where are you from, what brought you here?
My father was in the Air Force, so we traveled around a lot when I was younger. He retired in Newport News where I went to middle and high school. After college, I returned to the area.
8. 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 2nd Grader’s perspective?
My second graders have taught me to enjoy the little things in life and to get over mistakes quickly and move on.
Once again, we are so lucky to know of yet another great teacher in our community! Thank you for all you do Mrs. Pitts and thank you to the parents who took a few minutes to nominate her. Please tell us about the teacher you would like to nominate – it is open to all teachers public and private in WJCC, York County and New Kent County! Vote for your choice today HERE
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