Centennial Elementary School 2026

Abygail Toppett

Centennial Elementary School - 3rd Grade Team Lead - Language Arts Teacher
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Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is deeply personal to me. At its heart, it is about relationships, trust, and showing up for children in ways that matter. I believe students learn best when they feel known, valued, and understood. Before real learning can happen, students need to know their teacher genuinely cares about them as people. My philosophy as a teacher is grounded in building strong relationships, meeting students where they are, and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a classroom where they feel safe, supported, and challenged.

One of the most important things I do as a teacher is create personal connections with my students. I take a genuine interest in who they are and what matters to them. I know their favorite sports, hobbies, shows, and interests, and I use those connections to build trust and engagement. These relationships are built intentionally through listening, consistency, and care. When students feel comfortable with their teacher, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and push through challenges instead of giving up. Students work harder when they feel known.

A key part of building these relationships is getting on my students’ level, sometimes literally. I believe communication with children requires empathy and patience. I work hard to truly listen and understand what students are trying to say, even when the explanation takes a while and includes extra details. When a student is struggling academically or behaviorally, my first instinct is curiosity rather than frustration. I want to understand the why before responding. This approach helps students feel respected and supported and allows me to respond in ways that encourage growth.

What sets me apart as a teacher is my ability to balance strong relationships with high expectations. I care deeply about my students, and I also expect a lot from them. I believe they are capable of great things, and I make sure they know that. Mistakes are expected and learned from in my classroom. I work intentionally to create an environment where students feel safe trying, even when they are unsure.

My teaching style is energetic, student-centered, and intentional. I grew up loving the stage and spent much of my childhood involved in theater. That love of performing never left. It simply found a new home in the classroom. The classroom is my favorite stage, and I take the responsibility of capturing and holding students’ attention seriously. If I expect students to stay engaged, I know I need to earn it. You can walk into my classroom at any moment and likely hear me singing part of my instructions. British accents, princess voices, and occasionally an Irish accent make appearances during lessons. While the humor keeps things fun, the purpose is clear. Engaged students learn more.

I use creativity and expression because they work. Learning sticks when students are invested. I enjoy the challenge of keeping students engaged, especially during long days. When students are laughing, listening, and leaning in, learning becomes meaningful and memorable.

Becoming a mother to two young boys has deeply shaped the way I teach. Motherhood has given me a clearer perspective on how children learn and how they respond to adults. I am constantly aware of how I speak to my students because I know how I want my own children to be talked to and taught. I strive to be the kind of teacher I would want for my sons, one who is kind but firm, supportive but challenging, and steady when things get messy.

As both a teacher and a parent, I understand that every child is someone’s whole world. This belief guides how I manage my classroom, support students through difficult moments, and celebrate their successes. I aim to be a calm and positive presence for my students, knowing how powerful it can be for a child to feel safe and supported at school.

I am honored to represent my school, but I know I am not the teacher I am today on my own. I am a Frankenstein of every great teacher I have worked with. I believe strongly in learning from those around me. I use my planning time, breaks, library time, and counselor time to visit other classrooms and observe. I learn from colleagues about leading effective small groups, managing transitions, implementing meaningful brain breaks, and engaging students in different ways. I ask questions, take ideas back to my classroom, and reflect on what works. Being surrounded by strong educators sharpens my practice, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.

The rewards of teaching are found in both big moments and small ones. Watching a student gain confidence, understand a challenging concept, or feel proud of their growth never gets old. Some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly, when a student chooses to keep trying or realizes they are capable of more than they thought.

Ultimately, my philosophy as a teacher is simple. Students deserve to be known, challenged, supported, and believed in. Teaching is not just about academics. It is about shaping how students see themselves as learners and as people. Teaching is challenging, exhausting, joyful, and deeply meaningful work. I am proud to be a teacher, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, sometimes through strong instruction, sometimes through a listening ear, and sometimes through a well timed song or accent.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I nominate Abygail Toppett for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year.

When colleagues are asked to describe Abygail, words like kind, hardworking, joyful, and inspiring are used again and again. She has a genuinely kind heart and shows a deep, authentic love for her students. Abygail guides children with the perfect balance of warmth, cheerfulness, and firm, high expectations. She meets students exactly where they are and provides the support needed so every child feels included, capable, and successful.

Her classroom is a place where learning is fun, engaging, and authentic. Students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and discover their strengths. Learning in her classroom feels exciting, meaningful, and joyful, and students absolutely love being there. She sparks a love of reading and writing, turns lessons into moments of excitement, and makes children feel seen, supported, and confident in their abilities.

Beyond her impact on students, Abygail is a true team player and an exceptional leader. She is knowledgeable, generous with her time, and always willing to step in wherever help is needed. Colleagues describe her as calm, patient, and steady. She supports her teammates with grace and understanding, contributes to a positive and healthy school culture, mentors’ others, and consistently leads with empathy while keeping what is best for students at the center of every decision.

She is also incredibly competitive in the very best way. Whether it is participating in teacher games at assemblies or delivering top notch instruction in the classroom, she always strives to be her very best.

I vividly recall meeting Abygail for the first time when she interviewed with our campus team. Her passion for teaching children was so inspiring that we knew immediately she was a perfect fit for our campus. What makes her story even more remarkable is that she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She initially pursued a degree in business and marketing, worked for an advertising company after graduation, and during COVID, while working full time from home, she also pursued her alternative teaching certification. This is just one example of her drive, resilience, and commitment to being a lifelong learner dedicated to excellence.

This year, Abygail stepped into a new team leadership role with remarkable poise. She adapted to a new grade level, supported her team, and balanced teaching with motherhood, all while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and positivity that have left colleagues in awe. She listens, values others' perspectives, and brings encouragement and optimism wherever she goes.

Colleagues and families alike describe Abygail as the kind of teacher students remember forever. Her passion for teaching is undeniable, and it is evident in the confidence, curiosity, and joy her students carry with them each day. She is truly a light on our campus and helps make Centennial feel like a family. She embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator.

For her exceptional dedication to students, her leadership, her creativity, her drive, and her heart, it is my honor to nominate Abygail Toppett.

Sincerely,

Sara Stewart
Principal
Centennial Elementary

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