Teacher of the Day

Name:  Dianna Lindsay

School: Williamsburg Christian Academy

Subject: Honors Government, Honors World History, Honors Civics and Pre-AP English

State:  VA

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?

My inspiration for teaching came early in my life. My high school history teacher in grade 11 was amazing! Her world travels, love for students, enthusiasm for content, and her general "with-it-ness" made me smile every day. She was a model for learning, living and leading students. I was putty in her hands!

How are things different for you now, compared to when you first started teaching?

The differences today are fourfold. First, technology has extended our resources, teaching opportunities, and the quality of our personalized assignments. I am alive with options for our learners and their growth. It is exhilarating! Second, the accountability movement started as an initially important equity ideal but has moved forward as a demoralizing abstraction for many overly stressed young adults. I am committed to assessment but not to mindless measurements. It is exasperating! Third, research has reinforced what excellent teachers have always known; classrooms are about relationships, exploration, and wonder. Fourth, parents are more engaged in a partnership for success of their children and do not abdicate their authority to schools. This is liberating!

What advice would you give to a new or struggling teacher?

Teaching is an art and a science requiring a profound and unswerving commitment to students. Be patient, be kind, and be loving to yourself first so that by extension you may help your students. Remember that each of us as continuously learning teachers needs to examine where we want to go with our students. We need each other on faculty to talk, troubleshoot, observe, converse and problem-solve. While teaching is difficult and endless, it is also exhilarating, life-changing and fulfilling for all involved. Our profession is worth the work we commit to our students!

My best day in the classroom was when…

my students conducted successful Socratic Conversations while I in silence observed their struggles with literal, interpretive and evaluative questions. This happens when students listen to one another, follow-up with richer questions and extend their conversations to their learning needs.

The best compliment I ever received was...

a simple "thank you" when students walk out of class and say, "We had a good class today!" Who could ask for more?

What's your favorite part of the school year?

I enjoy our unique block days throughout the year. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, classes shift from 45 minutes to 90 minutes allowing Humanities classes like mine additional conversation, project, and exploration time. It is amazing when we have this time; we are able to knit ideas tightly to bigger concepts. This keeps us propelled toward our weekly evaluation sessions.

What is your one must-have item for the classroom?

Wireless Internet

What do you eat for breakfast on school days?

Protein milkshake

What movie or TV show do you secretly love?

Gone With the Wind

Want to be considered for EducationWorld's Teacher of the Day series? Click here.

Education World®
Copyright © 2012 Education World