Anna Sorrells received both a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree from Salisbury University.  Having taught for twenty-six years, she currently teaches pre-kindergarten at Choptank Elementary.  Ms. Sorrells serves on the School Improvement Team, County Curriculum Committee, Wellness Committee, and Parent Advisory Council, where she is a strong advocate for young children.  She has written pre-kindergarten curriculum for the county, aligned the pre-kindergarten curriculum with the Voluntary State Curriculum, and tutored elementary students in reading and math.  She is active in her church, teaching Sunday School and leading the youth group. 

How has the way you teach changed over the course of your career? What lessons have you learned?
 
When I became a parent, I became a better teacher.  After becoming a parent, I realized how I wanted my own children taught and dealt with at school.  Consequently, I began teaching all of my students the way I wanted my children to be educated.  Being a parent trained me to have patience and to stay calm during difficult situations.  Every parent sends me their very best and I must give my very best to their child. 

During my career I have become conscious of how important it is to build relationships with the students and parents.  In today’s diverse society, many students and parents no longer automatically respect teachers.  In order for them to respect and trust us, it is necessary to reach out and build bridges.  Educators must make every effort to recognize, understand and respect all cultures.  We have to emphasize that by working as a team.  Teachers must listen to what the students and parents have to say.  By building these relationships, students will have a much better chance of succeeding. 

What advice would you give to a teacher who's starting their first year and feels overwhelmed?

There are two essential suggestions that every new teacher needs to take to heart.  They need to build relationships with their team members and they must be organized.  Experienced teachers can offer invaluable knowledge and support.  Team members can help share the workload, which will save time.  In addition they can assist in generating ideas to solve problems you may have.  If you build a positive relationship with your team, you will always have someone to encourage you. 

Teachers must organize materials, time, and thinking.  Everything that is needed to teach the lesson must be close to you and in sequence of how you are going to use the items.  It is imperative that you mentally rehearse the lesson.  When planning lessons, lists should be made of what materials will be needed.  By being organized for your lessons, the delivery will be smooth and the students will be engaged.  Organization helps the lessons flow so much better. 

What do you think the biggest challenge that teachers face today is, and why? How do you meet it?

The biggest challenge that teachers face today is meeting each child’s individual needs.  Especially at the elementary level, educators are assigned heterogeneous groupings of students with many different needs both educationally and emotionally.  To be successful at meeting each child’s needs, the teacher must utilize many strategies. 

For the struggling student, the educator will need to create individual plans to assist them in meeting their goals.  The student’s learning style should be taken into consideration when developing this plan.  It should include when and how you are going to assist the student.  After the plan is written, it must be monitored to see what is working and what corrections need to be made.  In addition, plans must be made in order for more advanced students to be challenged to reach their potential.  Organization plays an important role in being successful at meeting each child’s needs because all of the student’s must be actively engaged during class time. 

What do you think the key has been to your success as a teacher?

The key to becoming a successful teacher is a combination of many factors.  One of the keys is being organized when presenting lessons and having all of the materials needed right at your fingertips.  In addition, you must have a system for documenting each student’s progress and needs.
 
 Children are the most precious assets that we have.  Educators have the task of helping to mold the futures of the youth.  From our attitudes and actions, students must be able to realize that teachers truly care about them.  The simple little word “care” means so much when it is sincere.  Care can be used as an acronym to help remember some important characteristics of successful teachers.  The “C” in care stands for collaboration.  Educators must work with their team members.  “A” is for attitude.  In order to inspire our students, it is essential that we have a positive attitude.  Students will learn more from educators who are cheerful and humorous at times.  “R” is for those all-important relationships.  It is vital that we develop relationships with our students and families.  “E” is for enthusiasm.  Enthusiasm is very important in motivating students to learn.  It is a key in holding the students’ attention.  Successful teachers enjoy working with the children they teach and allow the children to enjoy them.