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Lorraine Seawright, Secondary Teacher of the Year
Philosophy of Teaching
Students' needs always come first. This is my teaching philosophy in a nut shell. The ramifications of this teaching philosophy may seem simple, but are actually profound. Students need to know their teacher truly cares about their learning, but this is expected. The difference is students knowing you truly care about each and every one of them as an individual. This outstanding characteristic separates mediocre teaching from outstanding teaching. Kids sense this trait the second they walk in the door. They may not know what is different initially, but in little time, it is apparent. They sense the trait as genuine in the teacher.
How is this trait manifested? The outstanding teacher frequently and sincerely smiles! The teacher finds humor and kind words de-escalate many tense moments. The outstanding teacher always makes time for students, personifies patience and grace and shows kindnesses.
Regardless of the personality, learning style or self-discipline of the student, the teacher always has faith in the child and holds the child in high regard; this is because the child is seen as priceless and worth the cost of the teacher's professional direction and time.
The outstanding teacher encourages and supports students; mutual respect is the norm in the classroom. If a student needs to be corrected, the teacher does not intimidate, infuriate or humiliate the student. Knowing words can cut to the heart of a child, if the teacher's words are said in haste and are misunderstood or taken out of context, the outstanding teacher is quick to apologize in a professional manner by admitting an error in judgment. These characteristics of an outstanding teacher create a climate of peace, fairness, and therefore a tremendous learning environment. Students enjoy coming to class even if the subject is not personally enjoyable.
Professionally, the outstanding teacher is flexible and changes over time. Old ineffective habits are forsaken. The teacher seeks guidance and therefore enjoys teaming, knowing teaching is greatly strengthened by learning and sharing with other professionals. The teacher honors teammates from beginning to veteran educators~ realizing everyone has something important to share. So the teacher listens, and therefore learns. Professional relationships are maintained by lack of gossip and back-biting. The outstanding teacher is aware of personal faults and can therefore easily give grace to others. Resolving conflict and showing forgiveness keeps the focus on teaching students and not on the teacher personally, as time is so precious.
The outstanding teacher keeps passion in teaching by seeking opportunities to grow professionally. Professional development opportunities are seen as worthwhile, as the teacher knows perfection in teaching strategies is a journey not a destination. This trait keeps excitement and freshness to the outstanding teacher's professional skills, and the students greatly benefit in the classroom. Classroom management is further manifested in organization and preparation of curriculum with a passion for the subject; however, students are not lost at the expense of over-covering curriculum material.
These are the ideals I strive to personify in my classroom and department on a daily basis. My focus is on students foremost and teammates a close second; this keeps me busy and positive. The rewards I receive are enormous. Whether it is a beautifully written and kind personal letter from a student, a compliment from a colleague or a personal satisfaction of a job well done, all of these rewards pale in comparison to teaching a child a difficult concept and seeing the child find success.
Those are the moments that warm my heart. Those are the moments heaven touches earth in my teaching world. Gaining the true respect and affection of children gives me a comfortable and peaceful night of sleep; when the alarm goes off in the early morning hours, my heart jumps at the chance to make a difference in another student's life. How greatly I have been blessed.
Educational / Professional Background
University Degrees
- B.S. Science Education
Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma - 1988
- M.AT. (UTD grant through T.E.A.M.S.)
University of Texas at Dallas -
projected date July 2011
Teaching Experience
- Jasper High School, August 2007 to Present
Pre-AP and On-level Chemistry Teacher, Science Department Chair
- Shepton High School, January 2005 to May 2007
Chemistry, IPC and Honors Biology Teacher
- McKinney North High School (McKinney ISD), August 2004 to December 2004
Chemistry Teacher
- Broken Arrow Broken Arrow Senior High School (Oklahoma), March 1989 to May 2004
Professional Accomplishments
Jasper High School Science Department Chair
- Recruited from Shepton High School
- Administration Liaison to Department
- Various Department Leadership Responsibilities
Plano ISD Chemistry Curriculum Team
- Work with team members, developing and revising Plano ISD chemistry curriculum
- Staff Development Presentations
- Recommended by Karen Stephens, Shepton science department chair and curriculum member, to Linda Flack, secondary science coordinator
Pre-AP and On-level Chemistry Teacher
- Jasper High School Teacher of the Year, 2010
- Golden Horseshoe Award, Shepton High School National Honor Society, 2006
- Shepton STAND sponsor, 2005-2007
- Chemistry team leader, Jasper High School, 2007-2008
- Classroom curriculum management teaming
Oklahoma Science Teaching
- Teacher of the Year nominee (twice)
- Key club sponsor; wrote and received a grant for implementing a Campus wide Up-with-Trees Project
- Eye of the Tiger Award, Broken Arrow Senior High School
- Tandy Technology Scholar
- State of Oklahoma Citation for Who's Who Among America's Teachers
- Summer Fellowship with Oklahoma Medical Research Center (published research)
- Wrote and received numerous grants for classroom and department technology needs
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