Alexis Cutler
I am an AACPS: Second Grade Teacher, Tyler Heights Elementary | 2023 Teacher of the Year Finalist
We are excited to spotlight Alexis Cutler. Alexis Cutler is a 2023 Teacher of the Year finalist
Ms. Cutler was nominated by the school’s principal, Julia Walsh.
The Tyler Heights Elementary School second grade teacher is a Salisbury University alum who brings drive, ambition, and caring spirit to her students and peers.
We had an opportunity to talk with Alexis about her year as a Teacher of the Year finalist. The full video conversation will be posted in this space after the 2023 Excellence in Education awards dinner.
Here are a few highlights of the conversation:
Describe who you are in 5 words or less.
Determined, Empathetic, Reflective, Passionate, and Unflappable.
Tell me one thing you remember about your first year teaching.
I thought all the clocks in the school were sped up. Every time I looked at a clock it felt like a lot of time had passed. It was quite funny to me. I would work until 6 or 7 pm because I was determined to finish a task and I never realized how much time had passed.
Looking back, what would you tell your former self about your potential as an educator?
The possibilities are endless. The value I’ve received from former students telling me the impact I’ve had on them. Professionally, as I just got my National Board, there are so many opportunities to become a better teacher and it is exciting.
What one thing do you love about working in your school? with the students? and with the community?
My school is a special place. Every level interaction is great and we have special connections. We have an open door policy that has the families involved in the learning process. We offer services in the school and at homes because our goal is to be contributors to the community. It has left a positive impression on me. Due to our population, I am now a more ardent language learner and I love that.
What is your favorite memory of your family and friends supporting you on your journey as an educator?
My family has helped with behind the scenes processes to make the class go. An interesting result is that my second grade students get confused when my mom comes to my class to volunteer. They don’t understand how there are two “Ms.Cutlers,” especially since we look similar. They often call her my sister, which I’m sure she gets a laugh at.
COVID really challenged teachers, students, families, and schools on a level beyond imagination. How has the experience of working through COVID and then returning to “normal” instruction made you a better teacher and person?
Virtual learning was a bit challenging for my population. I was excited to return to in-person learning. I really thought about how I could help meet my students’ basic needs. Those things need to be met before we do anything else in the classroom. I make it a point to talk to families and check in now more than ever before.
Thinking about the future of education, what are you most excited about for educators? for students? and for schools?
First, we now can focus on practical solutions for things and seeing how technology will impact that. I am also excited about new engagement strategies. We now are more culturally responsive to our students and it will have a significant impact on our communities.
What is one hidden talent you have that no one, or few people, knows about and would surprise them?
I’m a really great parallel parker. I can do it on my first try every time. I’m quite proud of that.
If you had to make a time capsule about this year as a teacher of the year finalist and you had to include an item, an image, a quote and a song/melody, what would you include?
Lots of photos from this year. Probably the photo of when Dr. Bedell came to give me the news that I was a finalist. It’s hard to think of an exact image to represent “grateful,” but I would put something in to represent that. Walt Disney said “All of our dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them,” and I like that quote. There are so many opportunities out there. The song would be “Ain’t no stopping us now.” We will get it done and COVID showed us we can.
For the last question, what is one reason why someone should choose to become a teacher?
The heart of teaching is our kids. The future of the world is in this classroom. What we do now is building moral human beings. You spend everyday with kids that are unpredictable and you provide stability that gives them security. It’s a fulfilling feeling. It’s absolutely worth it.
Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department
The journey of an educator is a lifetime. We are thankful to those who have chosen to embark on this path. As a community, one of our greatest capacities is availability, so when the opportunities arise, find your own way to support education
