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May is Teacher Appreciation Month and WUCF is celebrating educators all month long.
May, 29 2024 - Andrea Matlin is a VPK teacher in Orange County. She loves to make learning fun and recently participated in the PNC + PBS KIDS |Outdoor Classroom learning cohort. We asked Andrea a few questions about teaching.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to make learning fun, as I did not enjoy school as a child. Now I’ve been told my class is “like a kid’s TV show!”
What role do teachers play in shaping the future?
I believe teachers can have such positive impacts on students both academically and emotionally! I have students this year whose parents say the kids are trying to pretend to be better just to come back to school! It is crucial to build a true class family. Our scholars this year truly exhibit class family dynamics and it’s such a beautiful thing!
What’s your favorite PBS KIDS show?
My new favorite PBS KIDS show is Nature Cat!
May, 22 2024 -Alyssa Steele participated in the PNC + PBS KIDS Outdoor Classroom learning cohort earlier this year. She has had a passion for working in education ever since high school.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My inspiration to become a teacher came from volunteering with younger children when I was in high school. Seeing them get excited about learning something new and realizing that I can help make a difference in a child's life.
What role do teachers play in shaping the future?
I believe teachers are important in shaping the future because we help children love to learn. Teaching preschool, we are often the first experience children have in school and I feel if we show them learning is important and can be fun we set them on a path to success. They will be excited for school! They will never want to stop learning because you are never too old to learn and grow.
What’s your favorite PBS KIDS show?
My favorite show is Arthur.
May, 15 2024 - Melissa Perez teaches in Osceola County and participated in the PNC + PBS KIDS |Outdoor Classroom learning cohort. We asked Melissa to share her inspiration for teaching.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired by my mother who was a teacher for 28 years. Her enthusiasm, empathy, and passion created lasting impressions on her students.
What role do teachers play in shaping the future?
As teachers, we have a huge responsibility and immense influence in shaping our students' future. Our impact extends far beyond academics, nurturing character, resilience, and empathy. We embody values, ethics, and behavior, influencing attitudes, beliefs, and aspirations. Our actions serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path for others to follow.
What’s your favorite PBS KIDS show?
My favorite PBS KIDS show is Curious George.
May, 8 2024 - Our educator of the week is Chau Tran. Chau is a VPK teacher in Orange County who believes teachers help establish the foundations of learning. She recently participated in the PNC + PBS KIDS |Outdoor Classroom learning cohort and we asked Chau about her inspiration for teaching.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I did a year in graduate school for chemistry and fell in love with teaching! My mom was a preschool teacher, so I was very comfortable with young children, and it felt like a natural fit.
What role do teachers play in shaping the future?
Teachers spend so much time with young minds and make such an impact. Young children are absolute sponges that are so open to new knowledge, technology, and love. A good teacher establishes a foundation of learning.
What’s your favorite PBS KIDS show?
My favorite show is Sid the Science Kid!
May, 2 2024 - Our educator of the week is Amanda Sarro. Amanda is a Pre-K Teacher in Orange County.
What role do teachers play in shaping the future?
I believe that teachers not only teach important academics but we give children a sense of purpose, we set them up as for success as citizens of the world, and we have the ability to inspire them to change the world in their own way! We are mentors, guides, and inspirations for many things that a child will do in their future. We have the future generations in our classrooms and what we do with them matters.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I followed my childhood dreams of becoming a teacher. I also knew I wanted to make a change in the world, so teaching is how I make my change on future generations.
What’s your favorite PBS KIDS show?
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Amanda, thank you for your dedication to the children and families you inspire every day. WUCF thanks all Central Florida teachers for the positive impact they make on lives every day and your commitment to education.
Each week, a new educator will be featured, so be sure to revisit for the latest updates!