Mrs. Hooker in the News

• N.C. Teacher of the Year visits Elon Teaching Fellows
• Q&A with 2011-2012 NC Teacher of the Year Tyronna Hooker
• Alamance-Burlington Schools' Teacher Moves to Head of the Class as North Carolina's Teacher of the Year

What Teachers Make

The next time you are asked what you make as a teacher, you tell them that you make a difference and there is no compensation for excellence. 

Why Teach?

Thoughts on teaching today: Teaching requires commitment not compliance. We are now charged with the responsibility of preparing students for jobs that have not yet been created. We are teaching students to be problem solvers, flexible, and how to work in collaborative groups. The ability to redefine themselves is essential. How can we get our students prepared? We must be teacher leaders and lifelong learners. We cannot settle or lessen expectations but rather quest to find and utilize best practices. Authentic engagement creates authentic learning. The traditional classroom is now obsolete and the four walls of the classroom are only borders not barriers. Technology and global awareness now create many opportunities for our students.

So the question I recently posed to the Teaching Fellows across this great state was Why Teach? Is there still a noble regard for this profession? Are the summers off worth the investment?  Is the need to make a difference your motivator? What is your answer?

Chatham Charter School

Regina Johnston, Regional Charter School Teacher of the Year, and I at Chatham Charter's opening Back to School session

Shout Out: GMS

Just follow the yellow brick road and see where it leads you. Your destiny awaits your first step! I really miss my staff at Graham Middle School. Each day was an adventure for the students as well as the staff. Failure is not an option on our watch. Have a great year GMS Falcons!!!

Hometown Hero

I was given the opportunity to throw out the opening pitch for the Burlington Royal's for their opening game, which also Alamance-Burlington family night. We held a T-Shirt Fundraiser for Hemophilia of North Carolina Chapter, raising $500. 

Walking off the in-field with the boys

Friends and family supporting the Hemophilia cause.

Planting Seeds

Planting seeds in the life of students will create growth. My students planted a tree on the lawn of my school in my honor.   Each student made sure the roots were covered and the tree was propped up correctly.   Of course it became a teachable moment.

I told the students that is how lesson plans are made - with each of them in mind. The goal is for them to get the needed foundation to be supported. When they master the content, growth will occur.  Special thanks to the Literacy Group known as “The Boys” and to Alamance Community College horticulture Department.