Holly Sabin,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
As I picked up the phone that late November evening, I recognized
the soft-spoken voice on the other end immediately. It was Hazel
C., a student I had had 6 years ago. "Ms. Sabin,
do you remember me?," she asked hesitantly. I could picture
her beautiful brown eyes and dark skin.
"Yes, Hazel, I'm so happy to hear from you. It's
wonderful to hear your voice."
"I just wanted to tell you that I live in Oak Cliff with my grandmother
now.
I'm in the 10th grade. Can you believe it?" She sounded
so hopeful and full of life. "Hazel, you know I've
always believed in you."
We talked for quite some time about her life, what she had been doing,
and her plans for the future. Before she hung up, she said, "Ms.
Sabin, I just want you to know that I'm going to
be o.k."
"I'm so glad you called Hazel." Before we said
our goodbyes, she whispered softly, "Thank you, Ms.
Sabin."
I gently placed the phone receiver down that evening and wept. That particular phone call profoundly impacted my philosophy of education.
You see, Hazel was taken out of my classroom by C.P.S. that year. She would later be taken out of the only home she had ever known. She never got a chance to say her goodbyes to anyone. She never got a chance to see the bright red coat with the fur trim that I had bought for her. Hazel never got a chance for many things.
My philosophy of education has always been to nurture my students both academically and emotionally. With that kind of encouraging support, my students truly believe in themselves and therefore, believe they can be successful.
But what exactly does that kind of nurturing look like? A big part of my nurturing philosophy includes really getting to know each one of my students personally by spending time with them on the weekends. Each week I choose a student, and on Saturday I go to the student’s house and spend time with the family. I see their rooms, pet their dogs, meet extended family members, and sometimes enjoy a meal with them. If there is a soccer game or other athletic event to attend, then I go along. Sometimes I meet a student and his or her family at a local mall. My students especially like going to Stone Briar Mall to pick out prizes for our class Treasure Chest.
The few hours that I spend on the weekends, reap rewards that I certainly could never put a price tag on. One student once told me, “Ms. Sabin, I hope this day never ends.” That was another very special moment that I will forever remember.
Academically, my students know that I will not let them fail. They will succeed and I will be right by their side. This kind of academic nurturing ensures that my students know I will be there to support them while I continue to challenge them. Mistakes are always looked at as opportunities to learn. My students know that I am only a phone call away if they need help with homework or just want to talk about something.
My multi-tasked, differentiated classroom is both fast-paced and
engaging. I often bring humor into the classroom through the
use of characters. Sally, the 2nd grader who has
trouble with subtraction is a favorite. Seeing their teacher
in pigtails keeps the whole class wondering what I'll do next. It
keeps me wondering what I'll do next.
My students truly love learning, and I truly love them. I will continue to nurture the gifts of nature. That is the legacy I will leave behind.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- B.S.– Texas Tech University
Certifications
- Elementary Certification - Southern Methodist University
Professional Organizations
- Texas State Teacher Association
- Plano Education Association
- National Council of Teacher of Mathematics
Employment History
1998 to Present - Rose Haggar Elementary School
- Fourth Grade Teacher
- Fourth Grade Team Leader
Summer of 2005
- Math Specialist for ESL and Bilingual Program, Christie Elementary School
- Fourth Grade Math Curriculum Team Writer
1994 to 1998 - Memorial Elementary School
School
Principal's Recommendation
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Holly Sabin, Rose Haggar Elementary School’s 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year, for the Plano ISD Teacher of the Year. Ms. Sabin is the fourth grade team leader and has been at Rose Haggar since 1998. She is an educator that would represent the district very well in every facet of being recognized as an extraordinary teacher.
Ms. Sabin has an enormous passion for teaching and it is evident in everything that she does. To walk into her classroom is to become instantly captivated by a person who is making a tremendous impact in the lives of children. Ms. Sabin’s natural ability to draw upon student strengths helps to ensure her children perform at a level above and beyond expectations. She always has a smile on her face and keeps her children actively involved in learning by incorporating a variety of teaching strategies in every lesson. Her professionalism with parents aids in the partnership essential to student achievement.
Enthusiasm for life and learning is evident in every aspect of Holly’s life. She has fabulous rapport with student, parents, and staff. Ms. Sabin has incredible compassion and patience beyond others. Ms. Sabin’s patience and positive approach to instruction guides her to reach all learners effectively. She works on the math curriculum writing team throughout the summer and implements those plans effectively each day in her fourth grade classroom. Holly is highly respected by her peers as evidenced by the fact that she was overwhelmingly selected as Rose Haggar’s Teacher of the Year.
It is my honor and privilege to have Holly as a teacher on the Haggar staff. She represents the quality of character, caring, and teaching that Plano ISD proudly honors. It is my hope that the selection committee will consider Holly for our district Teacher of the Year.
Respectfully,
Robin Williams, Principal
Rose Haggar Elementary School Principal
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