Stacey Scofield
I am a: School Librarian, Mills-Parole Elementary School | 2017 Teacher of the Year Finalist
My philosophy for teaching is very simple. Everything I do, every interaction that I have with my students, must serve the students to educate and make them feel empowered. I believe that educators need to foster relationships to help students learn important lessons: educational and life. We must believe that all children are capable of success and deserve love and care, without exception. This philosophy has rooted so deeply, that I believe I have become a better educator as a result. It is my love for these students and this community that makes teaching more than a job. It is my passion, my joy. It is why I never say no when asked to homeschool a student, help facilitate the Science Fair, manage the morning announcement TV crew, and advise the Yearbook Club, as just a few examples. This philosophy has helped me serve current and previous students in and outside of the classroom through mentoring in various capacities. Every day I always remind myself to be what the students need; to remember I am here to serve the students to the best that they so rightfully deserve. Without exception. For these are Kids at Hope and deserve nothing less.
I don’t believe educators in general look at what we do that is great, but rather at what we need to improve upon to make a better learning environment for our students. Therefore, I find myself ultimately looking at areas where I need growth and improvement as an educator; which in turn have spurned my greatest contributions and accomplishments. When I became a library media specialist, I was not prepared for the reading intervention needs of my students. I had been a middle school English teacher for 9 years before my current position. We taught writing and literature appreciation. I did not understand the reading vernacular that was being used and I did not have the skill set to help my students choose books on their reading level. Because of this shortcoming, I determined to become educated in early childhood intervention and pursued my Reading certification. I have a better sense of how to contribute to my students’ learning and achievements by growing and learning.
As my years as an educator are coming closer to the end than the beginning, I am proud to say that I am still excited and honored to be a teacher. We hold the future in our hands. With care, compassion, and high expectations, we can help ensure that the future of these children will be bright and amazing, filled with hope and confidence. I am very fortunate to have had educators in my own school career who have helped guide and mentor me to my future. I can only hope that when my students look back and reflect on their time in my classroom, they will remember a teacher who cared and believed in them. That would be my ultimate measure of success.
