|
|
|
Treesia Brannon,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
Recently my AVID kids were watching a video that featured the young surfer girl who lost her arm in a shark attack. My students and I were amazed that within six months she was surfing again. I stated that I didn’t know if I could do that. One of my students commented that the girl was able to return to the ocean so quickly because surfing was her passion. He then remarked, “Just like your passion is teaching, right Mrs. Brannon? I know you. If you were harmed while teaching, as soon as you were okay, you’d go back to your classroom. Right?” He was correct. I know that I would return to my students. I am a teacher and can’t imagine being anything else.
I come from a family of educators. From each of these loved ones I learned that education is a never-ending journey. While some believe that education ends when one walks across a stage to receive his or her diploma, my family taught me that as long as we are inhabitants of this world we must continue to educate ourselves, to develop our minds and souls. I try to exemplify this belief each day with my students.
I teach English and AVID but feel responsible for teaching so much more than curriculum. Aristotle, Greek philosopher, once said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” I firmly believe that in addition to teaching content and modeling positive character traits I must also show children how to rationally develop their own perspectives while being able to consider the ideas of others. Intelligence is not entirely innate; it can be developed. Thus, I must guide children to this realization and teach them how to nurture their own intellectual growth.
I have high expectations. My students know that I have low tolerance for disrespect, laziness or apathy. However, they also know that I genuinely care about
them. When they have setbacks I encourage them to regroup, evaluate the situation, develop a plan for improvement and then begin anew. Each day is a fresh start because I don’t hold yesterday against anyone. I am quick to apologize when I’ve made a mistake. I frequently emphasize that no one is perfect, including me.
I cheer any strides my students make to improve their learning, attitude, character and/or work ethic. I try to create a relaxed environment with music and a sense of humor. I build relationships with kids by noting things about them. As an English teacher I frequently read adolescent literature and have been able to successfully recommend books to kids because I’ve known them well enough to know what novels they would like. I also share my own personal experiences, both good and bad. As a result, students feel free to share their own experiences. I encourage kids to try new things and not fear taking risks.
Educating today’s youth presents a variety of challenges. However, helping children not just grow but flourish triumphs the moments of frustration and increases my commitment. I treasure their love and respect and feel especially blessed when they take the time to express thanks. Recently, one of my AVID boys confided in me, and I apologized for not having a solution. He replied, “Mrs. Brannon, I just needed to talk and knew you would listen. Thanks.”
A few years ago I had two exceptionally bright students in English class and sometimes worried that despite my best efforts I wasn’t doing enough to challenge them. At the end of the year, one thanked me for causing him to look beyond himself and examine the rest of the world while the other praised me for influencing her to take risks in her writing and pursue literature outside of her favorite genres. Those types of rewards make me so thankful that I am an educator. Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- University of North Texas, Master of Education in Secondary Education, 1999
- University of North Texas, Bachelor of Arts in English, 1992
- Certifications in secondary English and secondary reading
Teaching Experience
- Plano Independent School District - Carpenter Middle School
- 2008 - Present: 7th Grade English Teacher and AVID Campus Coordinator
- 2006 - 2008: 6th Grade Language Arts Team Leader, 6th Grade Academic Team Leader
- 1997 - 1999: 6th Grade English Team Leader
- 1996 - 1997: 6th Grade Academic Team Leader
- McKinney Independent School District
- 1993 - 1995: Slaughter Middle School - 7th Grade English Teacher, Academic Team Leader
- 1992 -1993: Faubion Middle School - 7th Grade English Teacher
Committees/Leadership
- 2009-2010: Campus Representative, for Plano ISD Literature Textbook Adoption
- 2007: Presenter at Plano ISD Secondary ESOL Professional Development and Secondary English Professional Development
- 2006 - 2007: Co-sponsor of Carpenter Middle School Step Team
- 2005 - 2007: Spelling Bee Co-sponsor
- 2005: Summer School Teacher, Frankford Middle School, Plano ISD
- 2003 - 2008: Mentor Teacher
- 2000 - 2001: Campus Representative for Plano ISD Literature Textbook Adoption
- 1999 - 2005: Carpenter Middle School Book Club Teacher
- 1998 - 2000: School Based Improvement Council
- 1998 - 2000: Co-sponsor of Carpenter Middle School Student Book Club
- 1995 - 1997: Carpenter Middle School Multicultural Committee
- 1995: Cooperating Teacher of a Texas Women’s University Student Teacher, Slaughter Middle School, McKinney ISD
|
|
