Montgomery Parents May 2020 | Page 14

Becky Offord Forest Avenue Academic Magnet The May teacher of the month is Becky Offord of Forest Avenue Academic Magnet. She’s been teaching for 20 years and says teaching is all she ever wanted to do. She was influenced by many different types of teachers throughout her school years. And the effects of those teachers were always positive and continued to create inside her a love for school. When asked about her teaching style, she said, “I consider my teaching style to be a facilitator in the classroom. I believe the best way to lead a classroom is to give the students an opportunity to make decisions in the classroom and then help guide them in their efforts. Obviously, a little more guid- ance is needed in elementary school, but it is important to allow them to have input.” The classroom looks different since the quarantine, but Mrs. Offord is still putting her best foot forward to teach her students and she is enjoying the tool Zoom. One parent says this about her, “Mrs. Offord is on point with communication and instruction and is so patient and diligent. River Region Parents I May 2020 She is constantly communicating with us day and night. I couldn’t appreciate her more when we are all struggling with all this new technology. She is there to remind us that we are in this together and is on stand by for any help necessary. She is such a motivator for our kids giving them clear instructions and encouraging them to reach out for help if needed. During this monumental time for our kids, it is so relieving to know that we can depend on Mrs. Offord for help and resources.” Mrs. Offord explains, “We have all got to work together to guide our students/children in a way that makes every student/child feel that they are accepted, loved, and safe wher- ever they are.” Thank you, Mrs. Offord for loving your students and being passionate about their well-being even outside of the classroom. Mrs. Offord has been married to husband Tim for 40 years, and they have two adult children, Bo and Jerin. Her hobbies include yoga, walking, riding bikes, working in the yard, and reading books of interest. (If drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate could be a hobby those would be there too. LOL!) 12 www.riverregionparents.com