Rasor Elementary School 2026

Blessing Ekpo

Rasor Elementary School - 5th Grade Math Teacher
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that every child is capable of growth and success, even though that growth may occur at different rates and in different ways. My role is to recognize, honor, and support these individual learning journeys while maintaining high expectations for all students. Learning is not a race; it is a process, and each child deserves the time, encouragement, and instruction they need to reach their full potential. As a teacher, I know how to create catchy dances, songs, and mnemonic devices to help students remember math concepts in fun and meaningful ways. Many times, these strategies come together on the spot, allowing me to respond creatively to students' needs and make learning both engaging and memorable.

Students enter the classroom with diverse backgrounds, strengths, challenges, and experiences. Because of this, I believe effective teaching requires flexibility, patience, and intentional differentiation. By using a variety of instructional strategies—such as small-group instruction, hands-on activities, and formative assessments—I strive to meet students where they are academically and emotionally. This approach allows me to support learners who may need additional time while also challenging those who are ready to move forward.

Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment is central to my teaching philosophy. When students feel valued and respected, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and persevere through challenges. I emphasize a growth mindset by celebrating effort, progress, and resilience rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Helping students understand that mistakes are part of learning empowers them to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

I also believe in the importance of building strong relationships with students and their families. Understanding a child's interests, cultural background, and support system allows me to teach more effectively and compassionately. Open communication and collaboration with families help ensure that students receive consistent support both in and out of the classroom. I do my best to make connections with students long before they ever walk into my classroom—it starts with being visible, approachable, and genuinely interested in who they are as people. By building relationships with students across all grade levels and supporting fellow teachers in those efforts, I enjoy creating a schoolwide culture where students feel known, valued, and ready to learn the moment they enter any classroom.

I've been grateful for the kind words shared by colleagues who've noticed my continued commitment to teaching beyond the school year. Even during summers and breaks, I find myself reflecting on what worked, what didn't, and how I can grow. I enjoy seeking out new strategies, resources, and ideas that might better support my students. This ongoing learning helps me return each year more prepared to meet their needs. Ultimately, my goal as a teacher is to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally—at their own pace. By fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, I aim to equip students with the skills and mindset they need to succeed not only in school, but throughout their lives.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I recommend Blessing Ekpo for Teacher of the Year for Plano Independent School District. Ms. Ekpo exemplifies excellence in teaching through her unwavering dedication to students, her outstanding instructional practices, and her positive influence on our entire campus community.

Ms. Ekpo consistently creates an engaging, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and challenged to succeed. She holds high expectations for both academic achievement and personal growth, while building strong, meaningful relationships with her students. Her classroom is calm, well organized, and joyful. Her students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn. This is evident not only in their enthusiasm for learning, but also in their remarkable academic growth. Ms. Ekpo's students demonstrated exceptional achievement and growth on recent MAP assessments and achieved the highest Math STAAR scores on campus last year, reflecting her strong instructional skill and commitment to excellence.

A passionate math educator, Ms. Ekpo has an exceptional ability to make even the most complex concepts accessible and engaging. She thoughtfully crafts her lessons and willingly dedicates personal time outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure her students are fully prepared for success. She frequently offers after school tutoring and small group instruction to meet individual student needs, demonstrating her deep commitment to helping every learner grow academically and personally.

Beyond her work with students, Ms. Ekpo is an invaluable colleague and leader on our campus. She knows students across the school by name and need, understands the culture of our campus, and plays a crucial role in making Rasor a better place for all. She proactively volunteers her planning time to visit 4th grade classrooms, where she builds meaningful relationships, gathers observational data, provides support to all learners at Rasor, and assists in the vertical alignment of our math instruction at Rasor. She collaborates voluntarily with instructional coaches and fellow teachers, continually seeking ways to refine her craft and support others. Her positive energy, kindness, and sense of humor uplift those around her. She is always ready with a smile, encouragement, or support when colleagues need it.

Ms. Ekpo's impact extends far beyond academics. She helps students build confidence, grit, self esteem, and stamina for learning, shaping them into capable and confident individuals. She is deeply respected and loved by students and staff alike, and her presence has strengthened both her grade level team and our entire school community.

Ms. Ekpo truly exemplifies what it means to be an educator. Her passion, dedication, leadership, and genuine care for students and colleagues makes her exceptionally deserving of the Teacher of the Year honor. I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend Blessing Ekpo for this recognition.

Sincerely,

Leigh Ann Earnhart
Principal
Rasor Elementary School