Page 29

Contra Costa Marketplace - July 2015

Celebrating Excellence in Education! conTinued - 2015 Teaching excellence award winners Molly Salyk, 2nd Grade Teacher, Coronado Elementary School When Molly became a mother, her teaching philosophy changed drastically from what had become a rigorous focus on discipline to one that was much more focused on the individual needs of each of her students. Her current philosophy on teaching is guided by her answers to questions she began to ask herself as a parent. “What kind of class would I want my children in? What kind of teacher would I want for them?” In addition to making her classroom a safe space, her goal became one of truly teaching the whole child through interestbased learning. “When I started implementing this philosophy, it was mirrored back to me tenfold by my students. They show a deeper engagement in their learning because I make it clear I am engaged in them, in who they are now, and in who they might become.” Andre Shie, 7th Grade/Pre-Algebra Teacher, Walter T. Helms Middle School Andre believes his job as a classroom mathematics teacher is to help reduce the pathological fear and anxiety that many students have for mathematics and for school by creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment that encourages children to succeed, both academically and socially. As a former student and graduate of West Contra Costa Unified School District, it has been tremendously rewarding for Andre to have an opportunity to give back to his community. “The opportunity to scaffold academics into applicable and accessible lessons, while advocating for my students on an individual basis, continues to motivate and inform my teaching.” Keith Valdez, Kindergarten Teacher, Hanna Ranch Elementary School Keith’s views about teaching are based in a positive confidence that every child can learn when provided with the right environment. He believes the key is gaining and holding students’ attention. This is achieved by creating a classroom that is dynamic, cognitively challenging, and a fun place to be. The rewards that he receives in teaching are far-reaching. Every morning when he opens the classroom door the students literally “rush” to get inside. They are so enthusiastic about getting to work it reinforces his high expectations. Presenting new concepts to young, receptive minds is the most satisfying experience he can imagine. “Teaching is my passion. Even after more than 20 years in the classroom I am excited about the challenges and learning opportunities each new day will bring.” ( 5 1 0 ) 2 3 3 - 1 4 6 4 • F a x : ( 5 1 0 ) 2 1 7 - 3 9 9 6 • E m a i l : i n f o @ e d f u n d w e s t . o r g july 2015 MARKETPLACEcontrac osta .com 27


Contra Costa Marketplace - July 2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above