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Marylou Boardman, Elementary Teacher of the Year
Philosophy of Teaching
The best advertising slogans forge an immediate connection between the consumer and the product. McDonald's, reminding us that "You deserve a break today!", has increased both our waistlines and their profits. As an educator, I would love to connect the following slogans to my product...a first-rate education for every student!
Let's Build Something Together...Lowes
Watching our new house take shape a few years ago was an amazing process! As the work continued, I noticed many similarities to my classroom. First, we designed a house plan that fit our needs, just as I use the TEKS and diagnostic testing to develop a solid educational program at school. Eagerly, we tweaked the basic plan and made it our own, just as I make individual adjustments for my students' needs. Visiting the design center to find the perfect hardwood floors mirrored selecting the perfect high-interest, multi-leveled reading materials for my classroom. The house's foundation was finally poured! At school, laying a firm foundation of skills for students is necessary so higher-level knowledge can be built upon it. Sometimes this involves setting up scaffolding to cement the blocks of learning in place. Like an architect, I also consult my lesson plans daily to guarantee a positive end result. At my home worksite, many workmen installed carefully selected materials with the proper tools. At school, my communication tools build good relationships with parents, staff, tutors and, most importantly, students. Working together creates a successful product.
It Takes a Licking and Keeps On Ticking...Timex
They enter with downcast heads, reluctant to join in discussions or read in front of others. My
job is to see, not who they are, but who they can become. Many of our sessions are as strenuous
as physical therapy prescribed by a doctor. Setting high standards is the only way they will reach
their potential. Though their fear of failure is palpable, taking risks is imperative. Sometimes, we stop class and read about athletes who train for Olympic medals or successful college graduates who overcame many obstacles. By providing a safe, loving place for students to make mistakes, and the encouragement to overcome them, they can develop the resilience to keep on ticking!
Share moments. Share life...Kodak
As a beginning teacher, I was very focused on my lesson presentation. Worried about "wasting time", personal experiences were often limited to Show and Tell on Friday. One day, at recess, one of my students was hit in the eye with a baseball. Concentrating on my teaching, I failed to notice that his eye was dangerously swollen. Luckily, the damage wasn't permanent! His black eye reminded me that the child should always be more important than the lesson. Since then, my students and I have shared many personal moments at school and at their extra-curricular activities. When we share life, a bond develops making our classroom activities very powerful.
We Bring Good Things to Life...General Electric
As a literacy specialist, I am painfully aware that reading is not everyone's strength. So, I strive to creatively present different materials and methods that will motivate reluctant readers. A few weeks ago, a group of fifth graders came alive reading about a giant squid in the ocean depths. Spontaneously, we measured its 50 foot length and found a webcam on the internet with actual video taken by the Alvin submersible we were reading about. As an educator, bringing that desire for knowledge to life is both satisfying and addictive!
Life is a Journey-Enjoy the Ride!...Nissan
My 26 year journey in education has been a fabulous ride! Investing in children has produced dividends too numerous to count. With mutual respect, we have built a bridge from my past to their future. Like the Energizer Bunny, my students have inspired me to keep on going, and going, and going!
Educational / Professional Background
University Degrees
- Bachelor of Science, Hope College
- Cum Laude, Academic Scholarship Recipient, Dean's List
- Graduate Work - Master's Degree
in Reading (l2hrs), Michigan State University
Teacher Certification
- PACE Certification (12 hrs), University of North Texas
- Specialized Training - Plano Writing Academy Graduate
Teaching Experience
Hightower Elementary, Plano ISD
- Literacy Specialist, 2004-2010
- Third Grade Team Leader, 1999-2003
- Second Grade Team Leader
Huffman Elementary, Plano ISD
- Second Grade Teacher, 1989-1998
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
- Third Grade Teacher, Alpine Elementary
- Title 1 Reading Teacher, Walker Junior High
- Third Grade Teacher, Walker Station Elementary
Awards and Honors
- Hightower Teacher of the Year, 2009-2010
- Delta Kappa Gamma, member since 2005; Secretary
- Hightower Teacher of the Year, 2003-2004
- Lifetime PTA Membership Awarded by Huffman PTA, 1997
Professional Activities
- Reading Vertical Team Leader -Huffman and Hightower Elementary Schools
- School Based Improvement Committee Member
- Faculty PTA Representative
- Differentiation Team, Co-Team Leader
- Learning Academy Coordinator
- LPAC Team Member and Writing Verifier
- Hightower Wild on Reading Coordinator
- Hightower PAR Trainer
- Staff Development Presenter
- New Staff Mentor
- Cooperating Teacher for UNT & TWU student teachers
- Accompanist for Hightower Music Programs
Community Activities
- Mission trip to Romania with Hope Cottage Adoption Agency, 2005
- Komen Race for the Cure, 6 years
- National Charity League, 7 years of volunteer work
- Resurrection Lutheran Church
- assisting minister, bell choir member, chancel choir accompanist
- Sunday school teacher, 5 years
- Vacation bible school teacher, 6 years
- Accompanist for Solo & Ensemble Festivals, 10 years
- Plano Civic Chorus, 4 years
Support Organizations
- Planoette Booster Club - VP Ways & Means
- Vikette Booster Club - Treasurer
- Sigler PTA - VP Ways & Means, 2 years
- Girl Scout Leader, 5 years
- Odyssey of the Mind, coach and judge
- Judge for Destination ImagiNation, PSHS German Club, PSHS Speech and Debate
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