 Terri has been teaching for twenty-six years - twenty-one of them at Rock Hall Middle. Her focus is on differentiated instruction and teaching students to be good citizens. She is proud of her award-winning Student Government Association. Terri gives countless volunteer hours to her community as an instructor for the American Red Cross, and she is a Girl Scout Leader. She was named Kent County's Most Beautiful Person and United Way Volunteer of the Year.
How has the way you teach changed over the years? What lessons have you learned?
I have more student accountability for learning, and use more hands-on, interactive lessons. I've learned that parental communication is key. Also, I can't get upset over the things over which I have no control.
What advice would you give to a teacher who's starting their first year and feels overwhelmed?
Take a deep breath and only worry about the things that are in your control. Ask for help. Teaching is your job, not your life.
What do you think the biggest challenge that teachers face today is, and why? How do you meet it?
The biggest challenge to teachers today is the lack of respect students and parents have for education. The behavior problems this attitude causes interfere with the ability of students to learn. I am fortunate that I live in the community where I teach. My daughters have attended the school where I teach -- my son is there now. I know many of the children and their families from out-of-school activities. I can see them in a less threatening environment, which helps.
What role does technology play in your teaching?
I use technology a lot in my teaching, It gives kids the opportunity to learn to word process, create documents, and have real world experiences. There is a lot of current information that textbooks do not have.
How do you involve the community in your classroom?
I have community members interview my students for news crew jobs, students set up a table at out town Fall Fest to raise money for the Cancer Society, and the American Legion sponsored an assembly on the history of flags for our students. I am the service learning coordinator for my building, so I am always encouraging my students to get involved in their community. Not once in 27 years has a business or organization turned down a request for help.
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