GOLDEN AGE
‘92
NANCY
Atkinson Madison Street School of Basics Plus, Music for K-2, International Choir and Orchestra Where are you now? “In 1995, I moved back to teaching high school, which I had done in the mid ‘70s in South Florida. I was hired at Belleview High School to teach guitar, chorus and orchestra. Eventually, I began working with Laurie Reeder to teach musical theater and soon added AP music theory to my schedule while releasing the guitar classes. I also taught critical thinking through the AICE academy. After I left Belleview, I moved to West Port High School where I teach presently. My classes include orchestra, chorus and early college music appreciation as well as vocals for musical theater.” What’s one thing every teacher should know? “Love what you do. Get enough sleep. Sorry, that’s two things.”
‘93
KATIE
McGrath Shady Hill Elementary, 5th grade Upon being honored as a Golden Apple Teacher, Katie described herself as a risk-taker. “Teachers need to be risk takers, and should encourage
students to be the same. Teachers need to create unique learning environments in their classrooms. I believe in setting high standards for students. My students and their parents are often amazed by the things the children are capable of, but it is not a surprise to me.” Her outstanding teaching was recognized again in 2003, during her time teaching fifth grade at Saddlewood Elementary, when she was inducted into the National Teacher’s Hall of Fame. Katie is currently teaching fourth grade at Madison Street Academy. She could not be reached for interview. Source: ocala.com
how she mesmerized us with the many layers of meaning in The Great Gatsby. I remember thinking it would be an exciting challenge if I could somehow help students embrace the powerful stories of literature as well as the stories that are the essence of the students’ own lives. I have actually had the opportunity to teach that novel quite a few times, so I hope I make Ms. Grant proud.”
‘95 GINA
Evers Anthony Elementary, 4th grade Where are you now?
‘94
LAURIE
Reeder Dunnellon High School, English, 9th grade Where are you now? “After I was Teacher of the Year, I went to Belleview and started developing the theater program there and then came to West Port High School. Now I’m the coordinator for the Marion County Center for the Arts, a magnet program here at West Port High School. I teach three sections of effective speaking in our early college program at WPHS.” How have you been influenced by your mentors? “My parents as well as my sister and husband are all teachers, so I know much of what I do I assimilated from them. If I were going to pick a mentor other than family, I would select my contemporary literature instructor, Ms. Annette Grant, from Crestview High School. Although at the time I was not considering a teaching career, I will never forget
“I was the co-founder and director of Marion County’s first charter school, Marion Charter School, which opened in August 2000. I was the director at Marion Charter until my retirement in September 2013. In retirement, I am the education director of Sheltering Hands, an animal rescue group. I volunteer at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center and do other volunteer work for environmental causes and animal rescue. When not volunteering, I travel, garden, read and grow, bake, cook and can lots of my own food.” What’s your best advice for new teachers?
‘96
LINDA
Maxwell Anthony Elementary, 3rd grade Where are you now? “I left Anthony and the classroom in 1996 and was the elementary curriculum coordinator at Sunrise Elementary for five years. I have been working at the district office since 2001. First in staff development as a teacher on assignment and then as a program specialist. This is my third year as a program specialist for K-12 Academic Services. I currently work with reading and language arts for grades K-5.” What’s one thing every teacher should know? “How powerful it can be to teach from the heart. When you teach from the heart, you build relationships with students and make connections that help them see your passion for learning.”
“There is only one crucial mission inside every classroom: Embrace the beauty and uniqueness that is each individual child and help them see themselves as worthy, capable and lovable. Be the mirror that helps each child see the best in themselves. Let your classroom be a life raft to future possibilities, not an anchor to past mistakes, societal expectations or self-doubt.”
ocalastyle.com FEB’15
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