Teacher of the year
Michigan Teacher of the Year June Teisan—a lifelong learner
June Teisan, freshly minted as the 2007-08 Michigan Teacher of the Year, spent
the summer months like she does every
year—working to improve as a teacher.
“I’m a professional development junkie,” she admits.
This summer, she was one of eight teachers in the nation selected to attend a week-long Science Ambassador Program at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.
There she worked with CDC scientists crafting relevant and up-to-date lesson plans to engage students by bringing discussions and activities regarding real public health problems into the classroom.
“It was exciting to learn about the
West Nile virus from a scientist who has
studied it around the world,” Teisan said.
“We’ll be able to connect with students
in the classroom on what CDC does and
hook up online with a CDC researcher.”
From July 16-20, Teisan attended Space Camp for Educators at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Space Camp in Alabama, learning activities that she will be able to implement in her classroom.
Back in the classroom again
Teisan takes these lessons learned back to the classroom this fall—a new classroom, in fact, as Harper Woods christens a long-needed 7-12 secondary school.
“This is a wonderful facility,” she said of her new classroom, showing off seven sinks and a supply room. In her old science classroom, she didn’t have enough sinks or electrical outlets, and boxes of supplies were stacked around the room. “Kids deserve and need a quality learning environment.”
After two failed bond elections to build the new school, Harper Woods EA members led a successful campaign in a third bond election by going door-to-door explaining to district residents why a new school was needed. “You need to advocate for your kids,” she said.
Students come first
Teisan indeed is happy to be teaching this fall. Previous Michigan Teachers of the Year have enjoyed year-long sabbaticals with the state Department of Education to represent the voice of Michigan classroom teachers. But the department eliminated the program this year because of the state budget crisis.
“That’s OK—my top priority is my students,” she said. “My 140 kids have to come first.”
Teisan will limit any statewide travels as Teacher of the Year to weekends and will use state-of-the art technology to spread her message that “quality teaching makes a difference in the lives of children.”
“I’m working with MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) to connect with educators around the state more easily,” she said. “This will be just a flurry of activity this year.”
Hands-on approach
In the classroom, Teisan uses hands-on activities so students can “touch, feel, see and explore” what science is all about.
“Science asks a lot of you, and I try my best to make it interesting for the kids so it will become their favorite subject,” she said. “I bring in bug bodies, ostrich egg shells, wind-up toys, dried starfish and other items to capture student interest. To explain how hard the heart works, for example, I have them squeeze tennis balls until their hand gets fatigued. Then I ask them to think about how your heart has to pump much faster when you exercise.”
An overwhelming—and rewarding—job
Her advice to new teachers? “Don’t get discouraged. This is a hard job at any level, but especially when you’re starting off it can be overwhelming. Teaching is such a multi-layered job—you’re interacting with students and parents, you’re dealing with kids who might come to school hungry, abused or neglected, students with learning disabilities and physical limitations. It’s a very complex job. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different.”
Teaching also is extremely rewarding. “Understand that you can truly make such a positive impact on the lives of your students. Learn to reflect on what you are doing, to take your own pulse on how you can improve. Never be afraid to ask for help or buddy up with experienced teachers. Continue to be a learner, and get as much professional development as you can. It revitalizes you.
“Be proud of what you do, and never apologize for being a teacher.”
Letting our voices be heard
To the critics of public education? “We’re wired in America to be armchair quarterbacks and critical in a lot of areas, public education included.
“I think as educators it’s a challenge for all of us to play a role in the community. Get involved in your community. Participate. We need to be out there explaining what and why we’re doing things in the classroom. We need to attend school board meetings, and talk to the public and politicians every chance we get. We must become part of the community forum. As educators, we need to have our voices heard in order to advocate for what is best for students.”