This year's teacher of the year award went to Sarah Brown Wessling from Iowa who successfully incorporated technology in her classroom. She was recognized for her ability to teach a wide range of students and also because of her ability to connect everyday life with learning. An english teacher by trade, Wessling allows students to incorporate writing in the form of pamphlets, grant proposals and story boards so that learning is catered to the interests of individual students and also prepares them for the future. Wessling focuses on learner based teaching and mentioned that one way she does this is by having her desk at the back of the classroom so that as the teacher she is the "lead learner."
So What: This award and the teacher that received this honor can speak volumes about what is expected and respected in teachers today. The application of technology is not only a skill to be celebrated but in reality required of prestigious teachers today. This is especially shown in the addresses from the president. More and more learning is more about individual students and application to real life then the traditional way of teaching.
Now What: Well, I want to be on board with what is required and expected of me as a teacher in today's world. This may mean that I need to put more time into individual based projects and even continue to expand my knowledge of technology. But, as a future teacher, my goal is to effectively reach as many students as possible, from as many backgrounds and learning styles as I can. I really do think that technology is a valuable tool to bring about better learners when partnered with dedication and the desire to go above and beyond the basic call do duty.
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