Davis Elementary School - Second-Grade Teacher
Teaching Philosophy
My role as a teacher is to give children the unwavering love, support and tools they need to feel capable and successful inside the classroom. In hopes that that confidence will be the strength they wield anytime they leave the classroom, into a world with much beauty yet many challenges. I strive to lead by example and be a role model, however, I understand that oftentimes the children will lead the way and I will grow and learn alongside them. It is important that we trust and foster the integrity of children, in order to help guide them to becoming productive, compassionate, empathetic and tolerant members of society. In the words of good ol’ Mr. Rogers, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”
I tell my students to be strong, but sometimes I find that I am weak. I tell my students to be brave, but sometimes I find myself cowardly hiding behind the covers of my own fears. I tell my students that they can do anything as long as they believe in themselves, but sometimes I find my face in the palm of my hands as I cry on the edge of surrender. Despite the moments that I contradict myself, these are the truths that continually strengthens me and empowers me to be the champion that they need. My first year teaching I was absolutely sure that teaching was my calling, however, after the first couple of months I was sure that whoever was calling, definitely had the wrong number. Every day, every month, every year I continue down a path of self-growth and self-discovery. This profession unceasingly strengthens my mind and heart through all the challenges. Every child needs a champion, and all my students have been coaching and training me through it all - all the “I can'ts” and frustrations, all the parent-teacher conferences, all the late nights to ensure that all my students are getting the tools they need to become their very best, and especially, all the behavior of some students that make you think you’re in an episode of The Office (looking into the camera to process if anyone else saw what I just did). On the other side of these challenges are all the hugs and love notes, horrible drawings that I consider abstract art, all the jokes I already know, all the punchlines too, but pretend not to, and my absolute favorite - seeing the overall, individual growth in every single child, and knowing that you played a vital part in that no matter how big or small.
As educators, it’s important that we empathize with our students, even on our worst days because they deserve it from us, the adults. Every time I look at any of my students I see a little bit of myself; a little of who I once was, a little of who I am, and a little of who I want to become. Every day I strive to be the adult that I desperately needed in my life when I was a child; loving, supportive, silly and hysterical. I also strive to be the adult and partner that parents need for their child. There are days I lose sleep thinking about all the things I would have done, could have done and should have done. Nevertheless, those little smiles, emails and phone calls from parents thanking you, expressing how much of an impact you made on their child and how grateful they are for you, make it all worth it. Being able to simply touch the soul of another human makes me realize, they had the right number after all. I’m a champion for all my little champions, and every person I have had the pleasure of encountering in this journey we call life.
Principal's Recommendation
Great teachers are rare. Many teachers are capable, but there are a select few who are willing to spend the time necessary to hone their skills enough to become great. It is my pleasure to recommend Miss Vina Ngo, affectionately known as “Miss V”, as the Plano ISD Teacher of the Year, (TOTY) representing Davis Elementary School/Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. Vina was chosen by her peers due to her inspired teaching as well as her leadership skills. She has earned the high opinion and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. In her three years at Davis Elementary School/Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, Vina has made a significant impact on hundreds of students learning and has built solid relationships within the community.
Her colleagues say:
- Smart and dedicated to her kids. She is ALWAYS upbeat, happy and positive.
- Vina always has a positive attitude. She is "Davis Sunshine" Vina is very dedicated to helping her students be successful.
- She is very supportive and encouraging with students!!
- Compassionate, fun loving, makes learning fun and interesting and all the kids adore her and love being in her class.
- V represents everything a great, young teacher should be!
- Positive attitude and loves kids.
- She is devoted to her kids and their happiness. She keeps a positive attitude and works so hard to be a productive teammate and dolphin.
- Vina is what you want all teachers to be. She has all the things but above all her students know that they are loved. I am so grateful that I have the privilege of working with her.
- She is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled teacher.
- Since the moment she stepped foot in my classroom as a student teacher I knew she had something special! She was such a dedicated teacher and I immediately knew she belonged at Davis. She has so much enthusiasm for teaching and it is contagious.
It is a privilege and special opportunity to work alongside of Miss V. I am inspired by Davis Elementary School/Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf Teach of the Year Vina, because she inspires her students to become better students, to maximize their time in the classroom and to look towards the future. Miss V takes an interest in all of her students and ignites in them a passion and making educational connections that will potentially last a lifetime. She understands that each student is different and she embraces those differences. Miss V teaches her students that it is those differences that often make them exceptional.
Miss V goes above and beyond to ensure that each child is successful. She is able to bring the best out of every student. She is energetic, fun and seemingly always at the top of her game. Miss V’s students look forward to coming to her classroom each day. When students are promoted to the next grade, they are sad that they are leaving but armed with the skills necessary to be successful.
Miss V can be described as being innovative, constantly changing and never becoming stale. She is not the same teacher from year to year. She looks to improve upon what has been successful and finds something new to replace what has not worked. Vina is not afraid to learn new strategies, technologies, or implement new curricula. She is able to take a variety of teaching styles and mold them into her own unique style to meet the needs of the students that she has at any given time. Miss V naturally guides her students to excitement about the high-level activities she meticulously plans and strives to get them truly involved in their learning.
Miss V’s compassion for her students is abundant. She hurts when her students hurt and rejoices when her students rejoice. Vina understands that life happens and that her students do not control their home lives. Great teachers like Miss V believe in second chances, but use mistakes to teach life lessons. Vina understands that school is sometimes the safest place her students can be.
Every child deserves a teacher like Miss V who is smart, ambitious and personable. A lifelong learner who is dedicated and gifted in their craft. Vina is graceful, articulate and holds the energy to withstand a wearing schedule. She is enthusiastic and creative, yet flexible and always prepared. Miss V is a high-quality educator who possesses the rare talent to "connect" with a diverse group of learners to encourage students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn and be productive citizens.
Miss V is a team player and gets along with other teachers and administrators. She is quick to volunteer for collaborative projects and has a keen interest in the workings of the school as a whole. Vina plays an active and useful role in the community, as well as in the school by writing grants and connecting Davis Elementary School/Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf to a variety of outside activities to supplement student learning.
I am confident the TOTY Committee will agree that Davis Elementary School/ Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf second-grade teacher Miss Vina Ngo is in a sense the total teaching package: a passionate, knowledgeable, endearing, charming and skilled teacher. Vina is an earnest candidate for the Plano ISD Teacher of the Year. Davis Elementary School/Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf is fortunate to have her as part of our school family.
I am proud to endorse “game changer” Vina Ngo to the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee.
Karma Cunningham
Principal
