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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Stella Turman Eight-year educator currently teaching third grade at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School, Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District
Why did you become a teacher?
How do you motivate your students?
I love children! They are so much more fun than adults. Seriously,
It is so important to build
though, I wanted to help make a
relationships with students. They know
difference by influencing children and
if you truly care or not, and when you
being a support system for them. They
care about them, they want to be at
need to know they can accomplish
school. I think it is also so important
their goals, and they need to have
to focus on the positive things. People
people who support them and help
need positive reinforcement. When you
them reach those goals. I want to be
are recognized for doing good things, it
that person!
makes you want to do even better.
What advice would you give first-year teachers? There will be some tough days, but keep going and reach out for help. Teachers need other teachers as a support system. Remember that if teaching was easy, everyone would do it.
What has been your greatest success as a teacher? A student once told his mom, “I used to hate school, but I love school now. I am so glad I get to go. I used to be dumb, but you know what, I’m actually really smart.” Hearing this from a student in my room—knowing I am helping students find success within themselves and knowing that they feel loved and respected—brings me all the joy I could ask for.
Winter 2019
29
School Focus