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   February 12, 2007

Laura McConnell, WGES Teacher of the Year
February 12th, 2007

WGES is proud to announce that First Grade teacher Laura McConnell is Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. McConnell is recognized on our staff for her quite leadership.  She is quick to employ proven researched based instructional strategies and is always assessing what the needs of her students are and then finding, or developing curriculum to meet their needs.  She has high expectations for all her students, communicates effectively with parents and collaborates with our student support staff to meet the needs of our special students. She is takes an active role as a parent in our school. as she has two wonderful children who attend Walnut Grove.  Mrs. McConnell exemplifies the best our profession has to offer and we are most fortunate to count her as a member of the Walnut Grove Faculty.  Congratulations to Mrs. McConnell for being recognized by her colleagues as the Walnut Grove Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.

Q. What's you favorite thing about teaching at Walnut Grove?

A. My favorite thing about Walnut Grove is that I can go to school each day with my children. Also, I love my grade level team! I can always count on them. Walnut Grove is a wonderful place to be. I enjoy the children that I teach and the parents. They are always so supportive!

Q. What's your favorite cafeteria meal? (ha ha!)

A. I don't eat in the cafeteria much. I typically bring a Lean Cuisine. If I had to choose a cafeteria lunch, it would probably be the grilled cheese. I love these!!!!

Q. How many years did you train for your tap dance performance at the Winter program?

A. I took tap for about 3 years as a child. I know it looks like it was much longer!!!! (ha! ha!)

Q. What are some hobbies/interests outside of teaching?

A. My hobbies and interests outside of school are my 3 children and their activities. We are either at the soccer field or baseball field year round!

Q. What made you decide to become a teacher?

A. I have always known I would be a teacher. As a child, I had my own classroom set up in my basement. I never imagined doing anything else! My mother was a teacher so I had a great role model!

Q. What was your favorite subject when YOU were in 1st grade?

A. I don't remember much about being in first grade except that my teacher seemed very old! My 1st grade experience was very old school. I remember sitting in rows and it was very strict! My 1st grade classroom is very different. My goal is to provide children with developmentally appropriate learning activities in a positive and caring learning environment. I want to encourage my students to be autonomous problem solvers, make responsible choices, and to love learning.

Q. Who has inspired you (in the past or now) in teaching or in life?

A. My mother is the person that has inspired me in my teaching career and in my life. She has always been a positive role model and a a great person.

Q. What is your favorite book(s)?

A. I don't have one favorite. I love children's books! Some of my favorite authors are Eric Carle, Patricia Polacco, Lois Elert, Jan Brett, and Bill Martin, Jr.( just to name a few).