Robin Burford is Williamsburg’s Choice -Teacher of the Month Nov 2016
Congratulations to Robin Burford, Kindergarten Teacher at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School.
She was voted Teacher of the Month for Nov 2016. Mrs. Burford is accepting her gift card and certificate from School Crossing Owner Sherry Phipps.
Robin Burford was asked a series of questions and she sent us a wonderful message about herself and teaching that we hope you enjoy. We are lucky to have her in our community!
From Robin Burford:
“I do not remember ever wanting to be anything other than a kindergarten teacher. My mother says I told her when I was in Kindergarten that I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher when I grew up. I believe it’s incredibly special to have been given the chance to follow my dream for a lifetime. I have been teaching for over 40 years, 3 years in first – third grade, and all the rest in Kindergarten. I started in Orlando, Florida, then moved and taught 5 years in the East end of Newport News, and now have been at Clara Byrd Baker for 21 years.
I believe the kindergarten classroom should be a nurturing and safe learning environment, rich in hands-on activities, full of exploration, self-discovery and challenge. I strive to have our students engaged in activities that stretch their thinking so they can apply what they are learning in new situations. It is vital that every child feel and be a successful learner. One of our most important rules is to always try and give your best effort.
When parents and teachers work together then our children see and understand how important learning and education is to them. Reading to them, from infancy on your lap, to reading beside them as children and young adults, we want to give them the love of improving their minds, hearing about new ideas and cultures, accepting others opinions and differences. I want them to listen and use their imagination, soaring in creativity. We try to be the role models that we want them to become. I love and enjoy what I do and I hope the children feel and have the same positive attitude towards achieving their dreams. I am reminded of a Dr. Seuss quote I have in the classroom over the reading nook: “You’re off to Great Places! Oh the Places you’ll go!”
I have a special place in my heart for each child I’ve had the pleasure to teach and work with. It’s over 800 children, and I treasure every memory.
One of the greatest joys of teaching is to see or hear about a previous student that is now off studying in college, graduate school, sports, or is working successfully in the community. It is so rewarding to feel you may have helped a child feel they could meet their potential and excel with hard work and dedication. We never stop learning or trying to improve, and no two years have ever been the same. The challenges make this work so very fulfilling. I am inspired and supported daily by my family, my assistant, Lisa Sams, my friends, my kindergarten team, my colleagues, and our incredible administration. They give me the encouragement to feel we can reach our goal everyday.
I am so honored to have been given this recognition. I truly appreciate and cherish this gift of kind thoughts and words.”
Teacher of the Month is a partnership between School Crossing, The Virginia Gazette and WilliamsburgFamilies.com. Please take a minute to vote for next month’s Teacher of the Month!
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