Orange County Teacher of the Week is Terri Willoughby
January 24th, 2008, 1:59 am Hobby Shops
Age: 52
Reason for becoming a teacher: I became a teacher with the desire of helping cultivate new young minds. I always wanted to be a teacher, so when my children started school, so did I!
Greatest moment as a teacher: There are so many “greatest” moments as a teacher. When students return years later remembering a lesson, or funny story — this always reminds me that the little things taught really do make a difference. I always make a big deal about wasting paper, and how each piece of paper comes from a tree. Years later, students will visit me telling me how much they do not waste paper because of the way we treated paper in our classroom.
Most embarrassing moment as a teacher: One of my first-grade students told me what he and his father were buying his mother as an anniversary gift, and when I saw his mother the next time, I asked about her beautiful diamond bracelet — and she hadn’t yet received it! Whoops!
Favorite aspects of being a teacher: The minute my students arrive, my mood is uplifted and I become energized as I anticipate the events of our day. Or when a student grasps a concept, having a big “aha” moment — it is priceless to see this happen.
Least favorite part of teaching: I’m sure most teachers would answer this question the same: paperwork! There seems to be a form for everything, which adds stress to a very fulfilling job.
Favorite movies: The Sound of Music. I recently saw Enchanted, which I enjoyed very much.
Last book you read: Beach Road by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge.
Favorite hobbies: I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, boating and fishing.
Family: I have two children, John Willoughby and Stacy Houghton. I also have three grandchildren and a fourth on the way.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be and why? I would want to be an “at-home grandma,” to help my children with their children.
Person you most admire and why: I would have to answer that each member of my family is admirable.
PHOTO: ERRI WILLOUGHBY: She always wanted to be a teacher. CONWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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