August 24, 2007

CLASS OF THE WEEK: Park Hill Elementary School

San Jacinto Unified School District

Fifth grade

Teacher's name: Kristy Ellis.

Teacher's experience: Eight years teaching - two years at Park Hill Elementary School.

Teacher's educational background: Bachelor of arts, Vanguard University, Costa Mesa; and multiple subjects clear credential, Cal State Fullerton.

Class size: Twenty-eight - 13 boys and 15 girls.

Room No.: 30.

Please describe the topics the class is studying: “We are currently studying variables, equations, and positive and negative numbers in math.

“In language arts, the theme is ‘Give It All You've Got.' In this theme, it explains the importance of always trying your best. It also discusses how to handle stress and succeed.”

Describe some of the unique projects your class is working on or will be working on: “Something unique our class is working on is growing plants. Everyone in class has their own plant they are growing and learning about. We will learn the parts of a plant and about photosynthesis. The students are enthusiastic about science.”

Will your class participate in field trips?: “Last year's class went to the San Diego Zoo; however, the cost of the bus was so high. We are not sure if we will select a closer destination this year.”

What are your goals for the class?: “My goals for my class this year are to help them be successful in school and in their community. I want them to understand the importance of being a good citizen. I also want to foster a love or reading in all of them.”

Why did you choose teaching as a profession?: “Aside from the fact that I come from a family of teachers, I love working with children.

“I always felt a personal connection with every child I taught, although, after becoming a mother myself, I feel an even deeper connection with every child that enters my life. I feel the principal said it best when he said, ‘It is so important to remember, the students are not just a child in your classroom; they are somebody's baby.'”

What are your greatest rewards that you feel from your chosen profession: “I am finally teaching in my own community, which feels awesome!

“The greatest rewards are knowing that I can make a positive difference in the life of a child. Knowing that what I do can help mold the future helps me strive to do my best. The rewards can come in the form of a simple smile from a struggling student, a card telling you what you taught made a difference in their life, e-mails from past students, or the simple thank-you (note) in your teacher mailbox.

“I have a poster in my room that says, ‘Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.' I had a student put a note in my teacher mailbox that said, ‘Mrs. Ellis, thank you for opening the door.' That was a reward!”

What are some of the daily challenges you face in the classroom?: “Daily challenges I face are trying to give my personal attention to every student every day. I want them all to feel happy and welcome in my classroom. Activities to build self-esteem are ongoing and necessary to maintain positive motivation.”

Does your class have a theme or mission statement?: “My class has the same theme every year. ‘We are all family.'

“We treat each other like family, we have jobs like a family, and we help each other like a family.

“There are no rewards for doing your job - it is part of being a member of the team we call ‘our family.'”