Teacher of the Week | Marjanii C. Wilburn
March 26th, 2008, 9:40 pm Hobby Shops
Reason for becoming a teacher: I have two reasons. The first is helping my mother grade her eighth-grade English exam papers (multiple choice, of course) when I was in third grade until sixth grade and then ninth through 12th grade. I thought that it was fun! The second was when I was a sixth-grader at Dudley Elementary School in Battle Creek, Mich., and one of my mother’s former eighth-grade students was valedictorian at Battle Creek Central High and he named my mother as one of his most influential teachers. That was a proud moment for her to receive that recognition. I knew from that moment that I wanted that type of recognition as well. Greatest moment as a teacher: At the beginning of the school year, I have students say how much they “hate math” and at the end of the school year they love it; that sincere “thank you” from the students or their parents, that means a lot to me; and when the light bulb goes off and I hear, “I actually get this!” Being Teacher of the Year 2006-07 at Jackson Heights and being nominated Teacher of the Week. Most embarrassing moment as a teacher: I have none. Favorite aspects of being a teacher: During the last nine weeks, I can listen to my students engage in a mathematical problem and explain their reasoning using math terms and showing work. Giving my time to working with the students through Student Council and Beta Club, and going to many of their events outside school is worthwhile and meaningful for them and their families. The expression on their faces knowing that I showed up to support them and watch them is exciting. Least favorite part of teaching: The endless amount of paperwork! Favorite movies: The Wiz, Grease, Grease 2, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Color Purple, Gone With the Wind, Waiting to Exhale, Mommie Dearest and any Lifetime movie. Last book you read: I am only reading books that are in my degree program. Right now, I am reading The Law of Higher Education by William A. Kaplin and Barbara A Lee. Favorite hobbies: Shopping, traveling, reading and going to movies. Family: I have an extended family starting with my grandfather, James Protho Sr. of Gary, Ind.; my mother, Marva Wilburn of Gary, and my brothers, Damarr Smith of Gary and Adhjamon Wilburn of Tallahassee. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be and why? I would be a child psychologist in California or here in Florida because that was my original major in college. Person you most admire and why: My mother, because, as a single parent raising three children on a teacher’s salary, she made sure that we got to our after-school activities, dance school, piano lessons, and she would appear at the all awards assemblies and performances. I do not know how she did all of that and kept her sanity, but I respect and admire her for what she has given up to raise me and my brothers. She always made education a priority in our lives. I guess that is why I am working on a doctorate. Nominated by: Lisa Ragland. Full-time public and private school teachers in Seminole County are eligible for nomination. Nominators can be students or their parents, school staffers and friends, but not family members of the teacher. Information needed is the nominator’s name, phone number, the teacher’s name, school, grade they teach and a brief reason for their nomination. Nominations are limited to the first 40 received. To nominate a teacher, e-mail Tammie Wersinger at twersinger@ orlandosentinel.com. Marjanii C. Wilburn
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