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“ Theresa has a deep understanding of the social , emotional , and academic needs of four year olds — no small feat ! — PRINCIPAL LAURA GORDON
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TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Theresa Campbell

As I walked into Theresa Campbell ’ s pre-k class I was greeted by some of the happiest kids I ’ ve ever seen . Quickly Mrs . Campbell was able to get all of her students quiet so I could announce why I was visiting . “ Mrs . Campbell is really special ,” I said . “ Because she was named the best teacher ”.

Next we talked about what we like about Mrs . Campbell . All the kids began jumping up and down with pure excitement , ready to share how Mrs . Campbell has touched their little lives . “ She teaches us how to keep our hands to ourselves .” one child said . “ She sings us songs ” chirped another . “ She gets me food ” another little boy said as I giggled .
Although these may not seem note-worthy to us , I could tell they meant everything to her class . Campbell has been teaching Pre-K at Highland Park for 20 years and continues to give each of her students undivided attention every single day .
The most impressive part of visiting Mrs . Campbell ’ s classroom was watching her students play on their own while she visited with them one at a time . Each student had the chance to sit with Campbell and do a counting activity . One by one I watched as Campbell took the time to count apples with each of her kids .
Although when I visited it had only been five weeks into the school year , Campbell had already grasped each kid ’ s personality and needs . “ She provides an excellent developmentally appropriate learning environment ,” says Highland Park Principal Laura Gordon . “ Theresa has a deep understanding of the social , emotional , and academic needs of four year olds — no small feat ! She helps students learn to self-regulate and manage all the feelings and behaviors that come with being a four year old in school for the first time .”
When asked what she likes about teaching she said “ Teaching is one of the most rewarding things I ’ ve ever done . Seeing a child ’ s face light up when something finally clicks , former students stopping by to share some exciting news , a parent relieved that their child is doing well in school are just a few of my favorite things about this profession .”
Campbell was announced as Teacher of the Year during a districtwide virtual ceremony honoring all SPS site Teacher ’ s of the Year on April 20 . Interim Superintendent Gay Washington visited Campbell in person to congratulate her with the news .
Story by Grace Welch
“ Theresa has a deep understanding of the social , emotional , and academic needs of four year olds — no small feat ! — PRINCIPAL LAURA GORDON

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COMMERCE | 2023 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce