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Sarah Eubanks,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
A gift is something voluntarily given to one person by another. Every August I am showered with gifts of all shapes, sizes, values, beliefs, and backgrounds. As a teacher I am always anxious and excited to welcome these gifts as they become part of my classroom. One wonderful thing about teaching is that you never receive a gift that is the same. Yes, these unique gifts I refer to are children. Parents present their gifts hoping that each one will be opened by a teacher with high expectations and love. As I open each gift carefully, I quickly observe great differences in each one. Some appear as gifts wrapped in paper bags but when opened, are gifts of great value. Others may come beautifully wrapped, but require more assembly than others. There are even the belated gifts that are warmly received. Most gifts do not change over time; however, the gifts I welcome into my classroom become more beautiful and precious through the year.
My first task as a teacher is to open each gift and to see him or her for whom they are. This means accepting my students and the emotions, beliefs, and values they bestow. Plano students come from many different countries, backgrounds, and religions. Understanding each one and what they bring to my classroom is important if I am to meet their individual needs.
My next task as a teacher is that of assessing each gift. To successfully teach, I need to know the strengths and weaknesses of each student. This is a achieved through diagnostic screening, observation, and analysis of daily work. From this data, I plan for each child and provide instruction and practice that facilitates growth in the content areas. Observation also allows me to identify the presence of character traits, work habits, and social skills that are essential to be academically successful. This enables me to set realistic goals for individual children, small groups, and the classroom as a whole. Through this process, we become a community of individuals that accept the responsibility of supporting and encouraging one another in the learning process. Independence and empathy for others are also ultimate goals in my classroom. Every child, from the gifted to those with special needs, can be successful in this kind of community.
Another role as a teacher is to work closely with those who have given me these precious gifts, the parents. This is achieved through parent conferences, phone calls, e-mails, and written communication on a daily basis. It is important for parents to know what is happening at school and how to be a partner in the learning process of their child. Furthermore, this role includes home visits and attending special events such as ballgames, recitals, and birthday parties.
Learning and growing are important for children, but it is also important
for me as a teacher. I must do everything necessary to keep up
with current research and techniques that help deliver
the best instruction for students. I must also strive to keep
up with the students in this day of technology. They have so
much at their fingertips, and I need to be equipped in every possible
way to guide them in the
direction needed. I also feel I need to be an example in the
way I share my knowledge with other staff members. It is important
that I share ideas with colleagues as well as listen
to ideas they may have to share.
Teaching is a gift in itself. It can be personal, sentimental, humorous, unique, and inspirational. There is a season for gift giving, and for me the season comes every August. Each year brings new gifts and new challenges, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity to open each gift and to see all the beauty it brings.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- B.S. – Texas A & M Commerce
- M. Ed. – Texas A & M College Station
Certifications
- Plano ISD Gifted Certification
Professional Organizations
- Alpha Delta Kappa Chairman of Scholarship Committee
- Delta Kappa Gamma
- Association for Texas Professional Educators
Teaching Experience
2002 to Present - Andrews Elementary School
- Andrews Elementary, PISD
- First Grade Teacher
- First Grade Team Leader
- Gifted Teacher
- School Based Improvement Committee
- Integrated Vertical Team
- Plano ISD Job Fair
1997 to 2002 - Brinker Elementary School
- First Grade Teacher
- School Based Improvement Committee
- Language Arts Vertical Team
1990 to 1997 - Barron elementary School
- First Grade Teacher
- First Grade Team Leader
1989 to 1990 - Chamber Elementary School, Alief , Texas
1982 to 1989 - Saigling Elementary School
- Third Grade Gifted Teacher
- First Grade Team Leader
- Special Education Team Leader
1979 to 1982 - Crockett Elementary School, Bryan, Texas
- Special Education Teacher
- First Grade Teacher
School
Principal's Recommendation
As principal of Andrews Elementary, I am privileged and proud to recommend Sarah Eubanks as the Experienced Plano Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Eubanks is a first grade teacher and our First Grade Team Leader. The honor of this award and recognition received is truly fitting for Sarah Eubanks, a master teacher at Andrews Elementary School.
As a master teacher, Mrs. Eubanks greatly exhibits a willingness to teach to each of her student’s abilities for success at high levels. Sarah is certified in elementary, special education and gifted education. She understands learning styles and develops a warm and caring relationship with each child and their parents. Diagnostically, Mrs. Eubanks builds on each student’s success and is able to challenge all learners to better reach their potential level. Sarah welcomes students with challenging and difficult learning situations. Sarah loves each child in their own special way and the children are eager to reciprocate. School is a great place to be and learning is fun in Mrs. Eubanks’ class!
Sarah Eubanks is a dedicated, professional teacher who exhibits great talents by sharing with others professionally in training and preparation to meet student’s diverse needs. Her study and research guide her instruction to her students and staff alike. As a guest speaker or as a team leader, she shares her knowledge abundantly. Sarah is gracious and kind in her teaching and sharing with others. At Andrews, the staff seeks her advice and support as a dedicated leader in the building.
As a principal, I recognize her great talent and her service to all. I know her to be a cornerstone of support for this community of students, parents, and staff. I have been truly proud of her leadership, scholarship, and her caring for others as well. I can always depend on her great character and her leadership. Sarah is an unsung hero who encourages learning and would be proud to know of success, but not seek attention or acclaim for her part.
Sarah’s leadership skills have especially shown this year as team leader of four new members to her team. She has unified a team of diverse talents and they are functioning as a strong team. Her quiet leadership and dedication is praised along with her excellent listening skills. While she possesses abundant knowledge and experience, she welcomes new ideas and constantly seeks to improve. Sarah Eubanks is truly one of the most respected teachers in our building.
I am honored and pleased to praise Sarah Eubanks. I would like to proclaim to the committee her excellence as a nominee for Plano’s Experienced Teacher of the Year!
Robert P. Sewell, Ed. D.
Andrews Elementary School Principal
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