Nancy Hack-Behringer
I am a: Reading Teacher, Mayo Elementary School | 2017 Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist
My philosophy of teaching and learning can be captured in one word: relationships. I believe that building relationships with students and staff is the glue that holds all the essential components of teaching and learning together. I consider this to be my most accomplished strength as a teacher.
As a National Board Certified Teacher I understand that teaching and learning does not exist in a vacuum. In order for students to learn, relationships must be built. These relationships are built on a foundation of respect and understanding. I recently had an opportunity to spend time with a former student. She was a child I admired because she worked hard, had a positive attitude and was kind to all of the students in our class. I had an excellent relationship with her, and yet she recently shared circumstances about her childhood that I didn’t realize. She told me that I had a profound impact on her at a very difficult time in her life. As Erin Gruwell stated in her book, Freedom Writers, “You never know the impact you’re going to make with a person.”
Relationships are the foundation of the important work I do with teachers as a Literacy Coach. I call the teachers at Mayo Elementary “my work daughters,” making personal connections daily with them. When they are at school, I want them to feel understood and supported. I use the Gradual Release of Responsibility model (I do, We do, You do), to facilitate the learning of literacy instruction. I instruct teachers on how to determine students’ strengths, weaknesses and reading level using the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment. I model the process for individual teachers and collaborate with them in analyzing students’ reading performance. By supporting teachers in their learning, I am increasing student learning.
My strength as a teacher is the relationships I build everyday with students and teachers in order for teaching and learning to occur at the highest level.
