We are excited to spotlight Courtney Kenney. Courtney Kenney is a 2023 Teacher of the Year finalist

Ms. Kenney was nominated by the school’s principal, Tamba Elliot.

The South Shore Elementary School physical education teacher is a La Salle University alum who brings creativity and a steady can-do attitude to her students and peers. 

We had an opportunity to talk with Courtney 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.

Dedicated, caring, supportive, passionate, and really hard working. 

Tell me one thing you remember about your first year teaching.

As a PE teacher I teach every student and I felt overwhelmed thinking about having to remember over 500 names. It took a lot of practice and time, but I got it. Then looking back at lesson planning, I felt anxious. I contacted former professors and classmates to help me check them over. They were so helpful.

Looking back, what would you tell your former self about your potential as an educator?

Don’t sweat the small stuff and do what you love. Every day is a new adventure. The kids are excited to be in your class.

What one thing do you love about working in your school? with the students? and with the community?

South Shore is a true family environment. We cover for each other in every aspect to ensure success for everyone. The students are so kind. Teachers never want to leave the school. I think they’ll have to push me out of the door for me to leave. I love it here.

What is your favorite memory of your family and friends supporting you on your journey as an educator?

Field day is a big event at my school. My husband and father are willing participants yearly to help set up and execute the program. For family fitness nights, my friends come out to support and bring their families as well. It makes me feel very special.

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?

The technology piece was big. We learned how to connect in new ways. It’s given me a new appreciation for the small stuff like human connection and I will never take it for granted again. I love being in the building working with kids and teachers.

Thinking about the future of education, what are you most excited about for educators? for students? and for schools?

I am going through the National Board process and it has been very rewarding. It has given me insight about how we can be better as teachers and collaborators. For the students, a growing desire to have the community more involved is vital and the community is showing a willingness to be involved. It is a very exciting time.

What is one hidden talent you have that no one, or few people, knows about and would surprise them?

I was a Kangaroo Kid, which is a jump rope team. I got to travel the world to compete for Team USA. I got to travel to South Africa, Australia and Canada.

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?

A mirror to represent reflection, as it is necessary for teachers to do regularly. For the quote, “The journey of 1000 miles begins with 1 single step.” The song “Taking Care of Business,” because I come to work ready to get results to help students grow. Finally, for the image, Mt. Everest, because the journey can be a climb, but it is worth it.

For the last question, what is one reason why someone should choose to become a teacher?

You have an opportunity to be a changemaker. Everyday is an adventure. You can create a positive experience for students. You, yes you, can make a change in the world.

Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department

LNesbitt@aacps.org

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