Wyatt Elementary School 2026

Stephanie Calhoun

Wyatt Elementary School - 5th Grade Science & Math Teacher
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching is that being an educator is more than just planning and delivering lessons. It is about building relationships with my students so they feel valued and supported. I want my class to be a safe place for students to ask questions, develop ideas, make mistakes, voice opinions, and accept challenges.

I set high expectations for all my students, and feel that with the right support, all children can achieve academic and personal growth. In order for students to grow, they must be challenged, engaged and have a buy-in to what they are learning. It is my responsibility to assess what my students already know and what they are ready to learn. Once I know where they are, I can prepare differentiated lessons to meet their individual needs and offer them some choice in how they will learn a new topic.

Throughout my years of teaching, many different strategies and ideas have come and gone, but relationship building with students and families has always been one of the most important things to me. I feel that partnering with my students' parents allows me to better understand each child's needs, strengths, and goals, creating a unified support system that will foster success.

Ultimately, my purpose as an educator is to create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to learn and grow. I have one of the best jobs in the world and can make a positive impact daily on the lives of my students.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

I am proud to nominate Stephanie Calhoun for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year. Even after two decades of teaching at Wyatt, Stephanie's energy and love for teaching stands out. She still walks into the building each day excited about her students and about the work we do. And, although she has taught several subjects over the years, math is where her heart truly is. She thinks of herself as a math teacher first, and she is committed to helping every child feel capable and successful in her classroom.

Stephanie's passion for her students, along with her hands-on, supportive approach, has changed the way many children see themselves as learners. She has taught hundreds of students in her career, and her determination to help them understand the basics, then push them to apply those skills to more challenging tasks, sets her apart. She simply doesn't give up on a student and if one explanation doesn't work, she finds another. Her persistence is what makes the real difference.

If you were to visit Stephanie's classroom, you immediately feel the energy. From the moment students walk in, there is conversation, movement, and genuine engagement. During independent work, Stephanie sits at a table and invites students to come over to ask questions or check their thinking. This one teacher action sends the message: "I'm here for you." And students respond to that. It's not just the ones who struggle—many kids come to her because they're proud of figuring out something tough and want to share that moment with someone who will celebrate it with them. They know she is truly in their corner.

If you were to visit Stephanie's classroom, you would immediately feel the energy and purpose in the room. From the moment students walk through the door, the space is alive with thoughtful conversation, purposeful movement, and genuine engagement in learning. Students feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating with one another, and taking academic risks because the classroom culture is built on trust and respect.

During independent work time, Stephanie intentionally positions herself at a table and invites students to join her to ask questions, clarify their thinking, or talk through a challenge. This simple but powerful action sends a clear message to students: "I'm here for you, and your learning matters." Rather than hovering or directing from a distance, she makes herself accessible and approachable, reinforcing that support is always within reach.

Students respond positively to this environment. It's not only those who need extra help who seek her out—many students eagerly come over to share a breakthrough, explain how they solved a difficult problem, or proudly show their work. They know their efforts will be met with encouragement and genuine celebration. In Stephanie's classroom, students feel seen, valued, and supported, and that sense of belonging empowers them to persevere, take ownership of their learning, and grow with confidence.

Outside the classroom, Stephanie has taken on the role of 5th Grade Camp Coordinator for many years. Camp is a big milestone for our students and is something they've looked forward to since Kindergarten. Stephanie handles every detail with care. Most people don't realize how much planning goes into this event, especially when it comes to creating cabin groups. She takes that responsibility to heart because she knows how important it is for each student to have at least one good friend in their cabin.

Stephanie's desire to build strong relationships shows in her success in creating positive connections between home and school. She believes in bringing families into conversations early because she believes that students do best when home and school work together.

Stephanie is the kind of teacher every school hopes to have. She is dependable, deeply committed to her students, and still brings genuine enthusiasm to her work after twenty years. Her impact is felt not only in student achievement, but in the confidence and sense of belonging she helps every child build. Stephanie stands out on our campus and was selected by her peers. All of us at Wyatt Elementary are proud to recommend Stephanie Calhoun as a candidate for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year!

Sincerely,

Cynthia Hentges
Principal
Wyatt Elementary School