Teacher of the WeekTerri Stevens
March 22nd, 2008, 8:38 pm Hobby Shops
Age: 56. Reason for becoming a teacher: “Teaching for me is as natural as breathing. I come from several generations of educators, I love children, and I’m passionate about learning.” Greatest moment as a teacher: “There have been so many magical moments, but the one that stands out was when I was preparing my students for FCAT Writes years ago, and I became acutely aware that I had the power to positively influence and captivate young minds and hearts. I quoted Emily Dickinson: ‘A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.’ “My entire class became teary-eyed because they realized how powerful effective communication truly is and that they held that power to bring their thoughts to life.” Most embarrassing moment as a teacher: “Tall Tales from Texas. I was young, tall and thin with long hair when I was asked by a student if I was the Bionic Woman. I replied, ‘Yes, I am.’ Our principal even added verbal support. “Thinking it was a joke, I was rather shocked when parents showed up for open house with equipment to record and take my picture. The principal and I had to make an apology from the stage explaining that I was not, in fact, the Bionic Woman and how sorry we were that it was taken that far. Favorite aspects of being a teacher: “Children! It is a privilege to pour into the minds and hearts of America’s future. I want to help each child discover his/her passion.” Least favorite part of teaching: “Paperwork and computers take too much time away from teaching. We are asked to do so many things that don’t seem to directly relate to classroom effectiveness. My fear is that we are so over-pacing ourselves that we are not taking time to connect.” Favorite movies: Field of Dreams, Steel Magnolias, As Good As It Gets, and anything with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Last book you read: Political books and Two Cups of Tea. Favorite hobbies: Bridge and political activities. Family: Four children, mother and two brothers. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be and why? “I would be a social worker — believing that I make a difference. The opportunity to help families experiencing divorce would be an honor.” Person you most admire and why: “Barbara Jordan, a former Democratic senator from Texas, was a phenomenal speaker. An iron fist in a velvet glove, her advocacy for underprivileged children and her dreams for education still inspire me today.” Full-time public and private school teachers in Lake 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 lflorea@orlandosentinel.com.
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