Video: Teacher Of Distinction

[bitsontherun wkqXks2j]

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Whether she’s leading students in a song and dance about numbers,  or helping them recognize shapes, there”s not a lot of down time in Blair Curtis’ Kindergarten Class. The Carver Elementary teacher is one of 14 educators throughout the Tupelo Public School District recognized recently with the annual Teacher of Distinction award.

“I was very surprised,” Curtis said.

Curtis was chosen from 59 nominees throughout the district. Each teacher was nominated based on recommendations from students, parents, area residents and colleagues.

She believes teaching kindergarten provides challenges and opportunities.

“They’re young, a lot of them have never been in school before, they have spent a lot of time at home and not in a school setting so this is a first for many, I hope that I encourage them to love school that’s my main focus is that I want them to love to read and I want them to love school,” she said.

She also credits strong support from Carver staff with her success. Fellow teachers and administrators say Curtis puts her heart and soul into teaching.

“She cares about her students, she goes that extra mile. She really loves her students,” said Anthony Key, Carver’s family school coordinator.

Kindergarteners are so fond of Mrs Curtis that it’s sometimes hard to verbalize their feelings.

What do you like about your teacher?

She reads to me,” said Rhea.

What do you like about your teacher?

“She’s cute,” said Tasyanna.

Curtis enjoys a special bond with her students and wants to show them that learning can be an adventure.

“I want them to be able to share with their parents or whomever they live with something they learned that day so that’s how I want my students to leave my classroom, I want them to be happy and ready to come back tomorrow,” Curtis said.

The Teacher of Distinction Awards are sponsored through the CREATE Foundation.