Educator Spotlight

Spotlight on Debby Penny

Blog: http://debbypenny.blogspot.com/                      

Instagram: Ms. Debby Penny
Twitter: @DebbyPenny

Where do you teach? Skyview Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO
How long have you been a teacher? 13 years


Are you still in the classroom? Yes
Why did you decide to become a teacher? It combined my love of learning, working with kids, and science.


What keeps you going? My love of learning and teaching others to love learning, too.


What is something that you've done as an educator that you are proud of? I'm proud to say that I am a life-long learner and am continuously looking for innovative (new and better) ways to teach, learn, and grow.


What do you do when you are not teaching? Huge Baseball Fan, Love reading, Love traveling


If you had a life theme song, what would it be? I'll be there for you! (Friends TV Show Theme Song) - I am much better at taking care of other people than focusing on taking care of myself - a strength and a weakness at the same time. I put all my effort into being there for all my friends and family when they need me!


Anything else you'd like the world to know? Learn one thing new every day of your life!

_________________________________________

Spotlight on Destiny-Moon

TpT Store: Kinder My Heart
Blog: www.kindermyheart.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kindermyheart/
Instagram: @Kindermyheart
Twitter: @Kindermyheart

Where do you teach? I have taught grades k through 5 and currently I am teaching a 2nd/3rd Combo class in Sacramento.

How long have you been a teacher? I have been a prek teacher for 7 years and a classroom teacher for 3 years.

Are you still in the classroom? Yes.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I wanted to honor all those who have invested in the success of my personal and academic life.

What keeps you going? My belief is that I am pouring into the individuals who will be leaders of local and global communities. When viewing the decisions of those in a leadership role, the current trends do not represent compassionate and collaborative approaches to challenges. My desire is for my students to represent these approaches as natural as their educational skills.

What is something that you've done as an educator that you are proud of? I am proud of the moment when my student that struggles the most is able to get his or her first success in education.

What do you do when you are not teaching? I love thrift store shopping for my students, swimming, group exercise classes and running.

If you had a life theme song, what would it be? Why? Hall&Oates~You make my dreams come true~ Its really my students that help me to realize how much they are a dream (and sometimes a nightmare) to me.

_________________________________________

Spotlight on Loren T

TpT Store: Blue Sky Designs by Miss T
Blog: https://misstmusings.wordpress.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/teachingwithmisst/

Where do you teach? I'm a relief teacher in a couple of private schools in South Australia.

How long have you been a teacher? 2016 was my first year out of university.

Are you still in the classroom? Yes, although I do not have a classroom of my own yet.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I love the pursuit of learning and am passionate about working alongside the next generation in this pursuit.

What keeps you going? My network of support people and those little moments with the students when you can see the difference you are making in their lives.

What is something that you've done as an educator that you are proud of? So far, my most significant moments have been through the tutoring I did while I was still studying. It was such a privilege to be able to work with individual kids throughout the year (or sometimes a few years) and help to close the gap between them and their peers. There were times when they couldn't wait to show me their report card because they'd gone up a grade or 2! There were also times when they told me that they'd just starting learning a new topic at school and that they were ahead of the class because it was a topic that I'd already covered in their tutoring.

What do you do when you are not teaching? I love reading, spending time with my fiancé and sisters, and sometimes even delve into drawing.

If you had a life theme song, what would it be? Why? Wow, that's a tricky one! Maybe 'Radiate' by Jack Johnson because I guess I'm still working towards where I want to be and I'm hopeful that I'll get there. I also like his music.

_________________________________________

Spotlight on Cindy Basso

TpT Store: KID CODES
Blog: http://kidcodes.blogspot.com/
Facebook Page: KID CODES Social and Academic Success for all Students
Instagram: @kid_codes
Twitter: I have one but never use it and forget my handle...

Where do you teach? Newton Public Schools, Newton MA, in 6 Elementary schools

How long have you been a teacher? 27 years

Are you still in the classroom? Yes

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I always new I would be a teacher, from a very young age. I always loved children and was very good with them.

What keeps you going? The kids. They make me smile and laugh every day. No matter what else is going on, they pick me up. Even the most difficult kids...they need you the most.

What is something that you've done as an educator that you are proud of? I have worked with a large number of very difficult children who many others thought were difficult to like/teach...but these kids are my favorite. They need someone who loves them and gets them for where they are at in their development.

What do you do when you are not teaching? I am very interested in health and fitness

If you had a life theme song, what would it be? Why? oh gosh...no idea...something about never giving up, keep on going, have fun in everything you do!

Anything else you'd like the world to know? Special kids are awesome and need/deserve love, attention, patience. The rewards received from working with special needs children are amazing.