Shurandia Holden,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
I love teaching! I have high expectations of all my students
and I always do what is best for them. This has led to some of
my greatest joys and disappointments over the last
eighteen years. Teaching is not just a job. It is my passion!
As a little girl growing up in rural Louisiana, I always had someone
to teach. I am the oldest of six children. Both my
mom and dad worked long hours, so I had a lot of responsibilities.
I made sure all homework and chores were completed. I also helped
with discipline. I was the first in my family to
get a college degree. Education
was stressed in our home. I have two sisters who also have degrees
in education.
As I enter my class each day, I feel confident that it will be a
great day if I do what is best for my students. With time constraints,
budget cuts, classroom size, TAKS testing and raging
hormones, this task is not always easy. Whether it is a matter
regarding discipline, extra help, conferences, student contracts, adapting
tests, or giving
up breaks or lunch time, I think about the impact
it will have on the student before I make my decision. If I miss
lunch to help a kid, that's okay. I could stand to lose a few
pounds anyway.
Each child is different with different needs to be successful. I recognize
this and it plays a crucial role in my teaching. I am fair and
respectful to all my students. As a teacher I know
that what I say or do can have a profound impact
on how they see themselves and
their academic success. My belief in always doing what is best
for a student helps me keep that in perspective. For years I
have been one of the first teachers to arrive at
school and one of the last to leave - not to impress,
but to make sure I am properly prepared and striving
to meet my expectations of
excellence in my teaching.
I have high expectations for every student in my class no matter
the academic level. I expect each student to do the very best
he or she can do. I
don't expect perfection, but with high expectations
students come closer to realizing their potential.
I quickly realized that kids often have no idea what
they are capable of achieving. With positive encouragement, and a belief
that
they can achieve, they can meet and often exceed
their goals.
During my first year of teaching, I taught a class of disadvantaged
third graders. Armed with my philosophy, curriculum
guides and an eagerness to do a good job, I worked
tirelessly with my students. Following
the curriculum, using guest speakers and field trips
I did everything I could to make my students aware
of the possibilities. I
received positive feedback from parents and co-workers.
One student who had been labeled as slow excelled
in my class. Several
of his former teachers commented on the changes they
saw in him. Imagine
my disappointment and anger when I was called to
the principal’s
office to discuss my class expectations. I was told
what my students could not do and that I was wasting
my time and my money. I was
told that I expected too much from them. Through my tears I asked
one question, "If we don't expect anything from these
students, how will they ever know what they are truly
capable of?"
In spite of that conversation I continue to expect greatness from
my students. Not
every student makes A's or passes the state mandated
tests, but I know more of them are successful because
I expect them to do well. I
refuse to accept that my kids can not learn and achieve.
Why do I teach? Because I love the kids and get great personal satisfaction out of seeing them learn and achieve.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- B.A. – Northeast Louisiana University
Professional Associations
- Phi Kappa Honor Society
- Association of Texas Professional Educators
- National Science Teachers Association
Employment History
2003 to Present - Murphy Middle School
- Sixth Grade Science Teacher
- Assistant Team Leader
- School Based Improvement Committee
- Campus Assessment Team
- District Diversity Committee for PISD
1995 to 2000 - Miller Elementary School
- Fourth Grade Teacher
- Assistant Team Leader
- Miller Elementary Teacher of the Year
1995 to 1998 - Arlington Independent School District
- Third Grade Teacher
- First Grade Teacher
1993 to 1995 - Richardson Independent School District
- Third Grade Teacher
- Fourth Grade Teacher
1987 to 1988 - Monroe City Schools, Monroe, Louisiana
School
Principal's Recommendation
As a district appraiser and administrator for the
past 15 years, I have observed, mentored, and acknowledged
outstanding teachers in the Plano ISD. The
caliber of educators is extremely high and we can
be very proud of our teachers. It is now with
extreme honor and pride that I recommend Shurandia
Holden for Teacher of the Year for our district. She
is one of THE most outstanding teachers of our district
and her dedication and loyalty are only two of the
qualities that make her such a staff member. Mrs.
Holden is an excellent educator, consummate professional
and a champion for children. She sees each
student in our building as a unique and valued individual. Her
approach to each and every one of them is "how can
I help you become the best you can be." Shurandia
takes the time to get to know her students and those
in other classes. She goes above and beyond
to meet the needs of each child from at risk to gifted
to special education to all of the students at Murphy
Middle School. Mrs. Holden uses creative and
innovative instruction to provide a myriad of opportunities
for students to grow and be successful academically,
behaviorally, and socially. Science comes alive
with art, music, math, social studies, English and
literature included. Her classroom is where
students want to be each day.
Mrs. Holden shares and promotes students and staff
beyond her classroom. She co-sponsors the Murphy
step club, serves as a key
member of the staff recognition committee, assists
the student recognition committee, and helps with
the Environmental Club as needed. Shurandia is the
staff representative on our Campus Assessment Team
which meets weekly to help students with any and
all types of concerns. She also works with our district staff in curriculum writing and textbook selection. She serves as a mentor for other science teachers in our building and across the district and willingly says yes to whatever the need is so that she may extend herself once more for children. As a member of the Plano ISD multi-cultural committee she continues to impact students and staff in a positive, caring and supportive way.
Shurandia Holden gives of herself far beyond most teachers in this
district because she loves students and wants them to succeed. She
was invaluable to us as we opened Murphy Middle School. From
designing our discipline system to moving and putting together science
labs, whatever needed to be done, Shurandia was here to help. As you
consider all of the candidates for Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Shurandia
Holden MUST be your choice because she embodies all that PISD stands
for and strives for. We applaud her and are blessed to have her
as a colleague at Murphy Middle School.
Bonnie Manley
Murphy Middle School
Principal
|
