- Special Events
- Teacher of the Year
Dara Norman
Schimelpfenig Middle School - Special Education Teacher
Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of teaching focuses on building strong relationships with parents and colleagues, tailoring my teaching methods to the needs of each student and my desire to continue my education to create a strong foundation of knowledge of students with disabilities. These areas have been vital in my journey as an educator in Plano ISD.
Educators are taught early in their career that building relationships are key. I believe that having a solid relationship with students, parents and my colleagues have helped my growth and development as an educator. I try to effectively address the needs of my students by communicating with their parents, addressing their concerns and lending an ear when they are overwhelmed. I feel that I have made strong relationships with my colleagues by communicating with them daily and they understand what expectations need to be met in my classroom.
Learning in my classroom is tailored to the needs of each student. I make sure to utilize the information provided from assessment for academics, behavior and reinforcement. With this knowledge, I can work to help my students grow in all areas of middle school. My teaching method focuses on the ideology that all children have the right to an outstanding education in a safe and nurturing environment. Since each student has a unique learning style, it is important to focus on each student and to teach to their needs. In the past, I have had students who were not able to sit for long periods of time. Arguing with the student to sit when they physically and emotionally are not able was not a choice. I modified my teaching and my behavior (thank you B.F. Skinner) to effectively teach that student in their education journey while satisfying their physical, emotional and sensorial needs.
My goal as a teacher is to continue to learn about using effective, research-based methods of instruction that best fit the needs of my students. I would also like to continue to collaborate with other special education teachers in the district and share ideas that work in our classrooms. I am excited about how my students achieve success now and all of the wonderful accomplishments that will achieve in the future.
Principal's Recommendation
Dear TOTY Selection Committee,
It is with pleasure that I recommend Dara Norman for Plano ISD’s Teacher of the Year. Dara has been a teacher in our Centralized Structured Classroom (CSC) since 2017. She joined our Schimelpfenig family one year prior as a CSC Teaching Assistant.
As an educator, it is difficult to rank a teacher’s most crucial character traits, but an absolute necessity is a kind and caring heart. Without a doubt, Mrs. Norman has a teacher’s heart. She truly cares about all facets of her students and colleagues. Mrs. Norman shows a strong passion and work ethic. She is able to connect with some of the most difficult students in the district because of her commitment to the education of all students in spite of their unique challenges. She finds something special in each child and is able to build upon that strength and take children further than others thought possible.
In a short amount of time, Mrs. Norman has expanded her professional footprint outside of the classroom. To be honest, Mrs. Norman spends eight hours a day in a very intimate classroom setting with a hand full of students and two teacher assistants. Despite this, she was unanimously nominated by the staff of Schimelpfenig Middle School as our representative for Teacher of the Year in her first year of eligibility.
Overall, Mrs. Norman is a capable, polite and warm person who truly demonstrates her love for children in her everyday life at work. She shows great pride in being an educator and lifetime learner. She is highly intelligent and has a special ability with teachers, parents and most importantly students. I believe that Dara has found a true calling in this profession because she embraces a philosophy espoused by Booker T. Washington – “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
I have no reservations in recommending this outstanding woman to be Plano ISD’s Teacher of the Year.
Thanks,
Brant Perry, Ed.D.
Principal