Mitchell Elementary School 2026

Elizabeth Jacobson

Mitchell Elementary School - Elementary Self-Contained - 2nd Grade
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Teaching Philosophy

Teaching second grade at Mitchell Elementary in Plano ISD is both my greatest responsibility and privilege. My philosophy of teaching is centered around the belief that every child deserves to feel valued, inspired, and empowered while also being challenged to reach high academic expectations. At a Title I campus like Mitchell Elementary, this balance of care and rigor is essential. I strive each day to create a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and inspired to believe in themselves as learners.

My connection to Plano ISD began long before I became a teacher in the district. While I was a stay-at-home mom in Minneapolis, Minnesota, my husband was offered an opportunity to relocate our family to Dallas, Texas. Determined to find the best possible educational environment for our children, I spent months researching school districts across the DFW area. Time and time again, I returned to Plano ISD—not only because of its academic excellence, but because of the mission and values that placed students at the center of everything. We decided to rent a home and "test out" the district. When my children began attending Rose Mary Haggar Elementary, it took less than six months for us to know we had found someplace truly special. We purchased a home in the district and have never looked back. To this day, we consider our move to Plano ISD one of the best decisions we made as parents.

I watched my children thrive in Plano ISD schools, supported by teachers who believed in them and challenged them to grow. My son graduated summa cum laude from Plano West Senior High in 2024 and is currently a cadet at the United States Coast Guard Academy. My daughter is a senior and will graduate with honors from Plano West Senior High this May. Experiencing Plano ISD through the eyes of a parent deepened my respect for the district and its educators. I remember the excitement I felt during that first year at Rose Mary Haggar Elementary and realizing that I wanted to continue my teaching career in a district that so clearly prioritized students, families, and community. That desire ultimately led me to Mitchell Elementary.

In my classroom, relationships are the foundation of everything I do. I am guided by Dr. Maya Angelou's words: "Children may forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." In second grade, students are forming their identities as learners. How they feel in school directly impacts their confidence, motivation, and willingness to take risks. I intentionally build strong, trusting relationships by learning each child's story, recognizing their strengths, and creating a classroom culture rooted in kindness, empathy, and respect. I often go to my students' games, birthday parties, and important events. When students feel truly seen and valued, they are more willing to engage in learning and persevere through challenges.

Teaching at Mitchell Elementary has reinforced my belief that every child deserves high expectations paired with unwavering support. Many of my students face challenges outside the classroom, and I see it as my responsibility to provide consistency, encouragement, and stability. I have intentionally sought out teaching positions only in Title 1 schools because I believe it is my calling to use my gift of teaching to serve the students who need it most. Whether through a morning check-in, a quiet conversation during a difficult moment, or celebrating a hard-earned success, I strive to be a steady presence in my students' lives. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel safe enough to make mistakes and brave enough to try again.

While relationships anchor my classroom, high expectations drive student growth. I believe that holding students to high standards is essential. I communicate daily that I believe in my students' abilities, regardless of their starting point. I differentiate instruction, provide meaningful feedback, and celebrate growth, effort, and perseverance. I challenge my students academically while supporting them emotionally, ensuring they have both the tools and confidence needed to succeed.

What makes me an outstanding teacher is the balance I maintain between heart and rigor. I teach with compassion, patience, and joy, while holding high expectations that push students to reach their full potential. I want my students to leave second grade not only academically stronger, but also more confident in who they are and what they are capable of achieving.

Being a teacher at Mitchell Elementary is deeply personal to me. I have experienced Plano ISD through the eyes of both a parent and an educator. Watching my own children thrive in this district and now teaching within it, I am both a product and a believer in Plano ISD. I am honored to serve the students and families of the community that has given so much to my own family. Teaching is not simply what I do—it is who I am. Long after my students leave my classroom, I hope they remember how they felt: valued, inspired, and empowered.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is my pleasure to recommend Ms. Jacobson, an exceptional educator with 21 years of teaching experience, including 11 years teaching second grade at Mitchell Elementary in Plano ISD. Throughout her career, Ms. Jacobson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, particularly within our school communities, where her influence extends far beyond academic instruction.

Ms. Jacobson's greatest impact lies in the strong, meaningful relationships she builds with students and families. She is deeply invested in knowing each child as an individual academically, socially, and emotionally. By attending student events, maintaining open communication with families, and creating a classroom rooted in kindness and respect, Ms. Jacobson fosters a sense of belonging and trust. Her students feel safe taking risks, confident in their abilities, and motivated to persevere through challenges. Many students who enter her classroom with academic or personal obstacles leave with renewed confidence and a belief in themselves as learners. Academically, Ms. Jacobson holds high expectations for all students while providing the support necessary to meet those expectations. She skillfully differentiates instruction, uses data to guide her teaching, and consistently celebrates growth and effort. Her effectiveness in driving student achievement was recognized in 2025 when she was named a Plano ISD Top Growth Teacher in Reading, reflecting her ability to produce measurable results while maintaining a nurturing learning environment.

Beyond her classroom, Ms. Jacobson is a dedicated member of the Mitchell Elementary community. She actively contributes to a positive school culture by supporting colleagues, partnering with families, and modeling professionalism and compassion. As both a parent and educator within Plano ISD, she brings a unique perspective and deep investment in the district's mission, strengthening the connection between school, families, and community.

Ms. Jacobson's balance of heart and rigor, combined with her commitment to service and student growth, makes her an outstanding educator and a true asset to the Mitchell community. I'm honored to recommend Ms. Jacobson for the district recognition of Teacher of the Year.

In Community,

Chad Stoker
Principal
Mitchell Elementary School