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Jacqueline Lewis,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
I believe that the most valuable asset in any classroom is energy. A classroom filled with energy is the best learning environment. I believe that teachers are the batteries of their classrooms and they have the ability and the responsibility to set the tone for energy and work ethic.
The first thing that I do every year is tell my students what they can expect from me rather than explaining my classroom rules and regulations. The first thing that I say is, "Everything I do, everything I say, everything I ask of you is for one purpose and that is your success." I tell them that I will come every day with a well planned lesson for their success and that I will work with them the entire fifty minutes of class. I tell them that their collective grade is my grade, and that we will be successful. And finally, I commit to grade all tests and quizzes within twenty-four hours because I am just as excited as they are to see how they did! I love my students and they know that I am absolutely committed to their success in the classroom. My philosophy was formed during my first year of teaching which was spent at a school with a high percentage of both economically disadvantaged students and dependent learners. Uncooperative behavior, disrespect, failed tests and incomplete homework assignments resulted in a dismal failure rate for the first six weeks and a bad relationship with my students. At first I was angry, but then I discovered that many of my students were dealing with abuse or neglect. Some students worked nights to help support their families and some were even dealing with homelessness and hunger. These students had many issues to overcome and they did not see passing Algebra as being within their reach.
So I began developing a new strategy of cooperative learning in the classroom to leverage peer tutoring and motivational techniques in an effort to engage all students in learning and to rebuild our damaged relationship. Every day I found ways for them to experience success in order to build their confidence. Over time, this approach was well received by the students, and every day we reached a new level of student achievement! Behavior improved dramatically, students were being successful and our relationship was eventually repaired and trust was established. Several of those students successfully transitioned to an honors math track the following year. I will never forget that year, those faces, or the lessons that I learned.
When I first came to Plano I was unsure of how my new teaching philosophy would be received since Plano is ranked annually as one of the wealthiest cities in the nation. I soon discovered that students from all walks of life deal with issues that effect their ability to learn. I believe that EVERY student desperately wants to succeed and what often appears to be apathy is actually a lack of self confidence or simply fatigue from life's difficulties. I believe strongly that given the opportunity to succeed ALL students will gladly take it. We must provide opportunities for success, and we must do everything we can to eliminate hopelessness.
Teachers also need encouragement. I have learned so much from my colleagues at Williams High School. They are generous and dedicated, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with them. I have also appreciated the opportunity to share my ideas at in-service training sessions within PISD. Sharing teaching techniques that work is the best way for teachers to charge our batteries with the energy that we need to inspire our students to success.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees and Certifications
- Secondary Mathematics Teacher Certification Program
Brookhaven College,
Dallas, Texas - 2002
- Program for Technology Managers
Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, North Carolina - 1994
- Master of Science Computer Engineering
North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, North Carolina - 1990
- Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, North Carolina - 1984
Teaching Experience
- Geometry Teacher
T.H. Williams High School, Plano ISD (2007-Present)
- Long Term 8th Grade Math Sub
Bowman Middle School, Plano ISD (2005)
- Geometry Teacher
Rowlett High School, Garland ISD (2002-2003)
- Geometry/Algebra Teacher
Lakeview Centennial High School, Garland ISD (2001-2002)
- Senior Manager/Manager Engineering,
Bell Northern Research/Nortel Networks, Richardson, Texas (1997-2000)
- Principal Engineer/ Manager
Bell Northern Research, Research Triangle Park, NC (1990-1997)
- VLSI Design Engineer
General Electric Microelectronics Center Research Triangle Park, NC (1984-1990)
Honors and Activities
I have developed a program called "Talent Balanced Teams and the 50 Minute Sprint' which provides tools for successful implementation of cooperative learning in the secondary classroom. This program has been very well received by secondary math teachers and administrators. In addition, a version of this program was provided at the Plano ISD 2009 Secondary Science In-Service Training.
- Scheduled Speaker
Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teachers (CAMT) -
San Antonio, Texas - July, 2010
- Proposed Speaker National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Regional Conference New Orleans, Louisiana - October, 2010
- 2009 Teacher of the Year, Williams High School, Plano ISD
- 2009 Metroplex Technology Business Council Tech Titan Finalist
- Professional Development Speaker
- District New Teacher Training, Plano ISD - 2009
- Speaker at Secondary Principals Meeting, Plano ISD - 2009
- Professional Development Speaker
- Carpenter Middle School Faculty In-Service, Plano ISD - 2009
- Professional Development Speaker
- Williams High School New Teacher Training, Plano ISD - 2008
- 2000 "Nortel Networks CEO, John Roth, TOP TALENT AWARD"
- 2000 "Nortel Networks PRIDE Award for Quality and Cost Improvements"
- 1999 "Nortel Networks Award of Merit for Driving Process Improvements"
- 1986 "General Electric Award of Excellence for Technical Innovations"
Professional Organizations
- Association of Texas Professional Educators
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