of the year
BY MACKENZI COX
KELLIE RACHELL , CIS RENE WOMBLE , BJHS TAMME JOHNSON , BIS
What is your favorite thing about being an educator ? My favorite thing about being an educator is getting to see my students grow , both academically and emotionally . I love to see those light-bulb moments where everything clicks and they get really excited about something they have learned . I also love to see my kids outside of school in their extracurricular activities to show them that I support them both inside and outside the classroom .
Why did you decide to become a teacher ?
The short answer is for the kids , to see them grow .. that ’ s a big reason I do what I do .
What is something that stands out that was unique to this year ? Something unique about this year is the different activities we have done . In math we have done glow in the dark math days and more outside activities to be more hands-on . We are currently using our skills of measurement to build planter boxes for science .
How long have you been teaching all together , and in this district ? I have been teaching for 17 years and 14 of those years have been here at CIS
“ Mrs . Rachell is the math teacher that everyone wishes to have . She builds relationships with her students that go beyond she classroom . She finds their passions and is often seen at gyms or stadiums supporting them on the weekends at their extracurricular activities . She is a team player , and has impacted teachers , students , and even administration . Kellie is described by her peers as helpful , kind , positive , funny , and always smiling .”
-CIS Principal , Melissa Barett
What is your favorite thing about being an educator ? My favorite thing about being an educator is being around these amazing kids and watching them learn new things . There is a visible “ AHA ” moment when they finally grasp a concept and we can all celebrate it together . Every day is a new day with amazing new opportunities , and we try to make the most of that every chance we get .
Why did you decide to become a teacher ? I have wanted to be a teacher my whole life . My father was a teacher , and I was always in awe of the way he was able to connect with his students . I ’ ve always had a love of learning , and if I could pass that on to my own students , I couldn ’ t think of a better “ job ” in the world . Someone once said “ if you love what you do , you ’ ll never work a day in your life ”. In my opinion , that ’ s what teaching is all about . I don ’ t work - I get to come to school and do what I love !
What is something that stands out that was unique to this year ? These past couple of years have been quite different ! It has been especially hard on my students as they are special needs . Adapting to change is a very difficult task for them . We have , however , managed to face these difficulties together and figure out ways to face the challenges . We celebrate the little victories as well as the big ones . And when it gets to be a little too much , we have a mini dance party and move on !
How long have you been teaching all together , and in this district ? I have been teaching for 15 years - 8 of them have been with the most amazing district right here in Brownsboro .
What is your favorite thing about being an educator ?
One of my favorite things is seeing the “ light bulb ” click on when a student finally understands a concept .
Then they are willing / asking to help others learn HOW to do the skills .
Why did you decide to become a teacher ?
I realized I liked helping students and that learning could be fun .
What is something that stands out that was unique to this year ?
Our HS Girls Varsity basketball team won a State Basketball Championship and ten of the players I have taught in either 5th or 6th grade ( or both !!)
How long have you been teaching all together , and in this district ?
I have been in the BISD district for 27 years this May .
“ Mrs . Johnson has been a leader of teachers this year . She is not only willing to assist her team with any needs they have , but she will go out of her way to help anyone on campus . She puts the needs of her students and colleagues first . She is extremely devoted and always has the best interest of BIS at heart ! She exhibits Bear Pride in all that she does . Mrs . Johnson has a lifelong love of learning , an open mind to new ideas , and knows how to effectively engage her students through creativity and humor . BIS is blessed to have her on staff , and happy to recognize her as our Teacher of the Year !”
-BIS Principal , Billy Beasley
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