Heather Helm,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
The three, four and five-year olds wanted to build a stand and sell lemonade. I followed their lead and used my philosophy of teaching to guide them through the process.
"How will we make the lemonade?" Several
of the children offered "recipes," which we discussed and
we finally came up with one that was actually doable. Active, involved
children believe they are playing when they are actually learning.
My role is to provide an educational environment that ensures every
child has a place and that every activity is child-driven, childcentered
and incorporates both individual and curricular goals.
"Shall we make yellow or pink lemonade?
Let's ask what people like." Each child completed a survey at
school and at home. The skill of communication is
one of the most important abilities a person can possess. By teaching
children who have difficulty
with this skill, I give children access to opportunities
that help ensure success and provide for happier and more productive
lives. Each
child is part of many groups (family, class, school,
community). I plan activities that empower the child's active participation
in these
groups. I believe that this participation enhances
self-image and creates confidence - both essential to future success.
"How will we get the lemons, sugar and cups? How will we make the stand?" The children developed a web of needed supplies and asked their parents to donate items for the stand. Language development must include the child, his parents, his peers and the classroom teacher. I strive to make the family a respected and an integral part of language development. I believe and have demonstrated through personal research that early parental intervention enhances the child's language development. Therefore, my plans are always inclusive of family.
In peer interaction, I guide students to be respectful of each other
and to learn cooperation and group skills. The classroom
teacher and speech-language pathologist form vital links in the chain
leading to
a child's success. The two disciplines collaborate
in providing an individualized curriculum, which is congruent with
the overall curriculum.
"How will people know we are selling lemonade?" The children decided to create signs and invitations and proudly invited family members, staff and other students to the lemonade stand. All levels of communication must be addressed in the classroom. Therefore, learning activities that provide opportunities for talking and responding, writing (as ready), reading, doing and listening will nurture, empower, inspire and motivate children. Every child must know that he has a place - a safe place to grow, to make mistakes, to be himself and to realize his potential.
"How much will we charge? What will
we do with our money?" The children unselfishly wanted to help
other children with the money. They agreed that asking one penny for
a cup was good. I have an obligation to the larger community to educate
and empower others to create and support environments that nurture
children. I am an advocate for children, their families and their community.
I have a responsibility to my profession, my students, my families,
my school and my world to be open-minded, up-to-date professionally,
empathetic to my peers and generous to students of my profession.
Today is the day - Lemonade Stand Day - sugar, lemons and water; pink lemonade; lots of family and school help; decorated stand; invitations and signs; 1 penny; help hungry children; a sidewalk full of excited children, teachers and parents. A group of three, four and five-year olds with the pride of accomplishment is ready to sell lemonade to their world.
Masai warriors in Africa have a greeting as they pass one another: "Eserian Nakera?" It means: "And how are the children?" Their traditional response is: "All the children are well."
Thus stated is my hope: All the children are well.
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology -
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Education - Baylor
University
- Licenses - Certificate of Clinical Competence,
Texas License in Speech-Language Pathology, Certified
Eligible in Texas: All-Level Education and Early
Childhood Endorsement
Teaching Experience
- Fall 2002 to Present - Pearson Early Childhood
School Speech-Language Pathologist
- Fall 2001 to Spring 2002 - Dooley Elementary
School / Barron Elementary School Speech-Language
Pathologist
- Summer 1999 to Summer
2001 - Le Bonheur Early Intervention
and Development, Memphis, TN
- Fall 1998 to Spring 1999 - Scottish Rite Clinic
for Childhood Language Disorders
University of Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental
Disabilities, Memphis, TN
- Fall 1997 to Spring 1998 - Preschool Language
Enrichment Program, Little Rock, AR
School
Principal Recommendation
It is my pleasure to recommend Heather Helm for the Experienced Teacher of the Year. She is currently an outstanding speech/language pathologist with preschool children at Pearson Early Childhood School. Heather has been a speech/language pathologist for the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities for six years in Plano Independent School District. I have been her administrator for five of those years!
While in the process of opening Pearson ECS, I was
searching for highly qualified team leaders to get
us off to a good start. Heather's reputation, even
though she was a first year teacher at the time,
preceded her. I was very excited when she chose to
become the Team Leader for the Speech Pathologists
at Pearson ECS.
During our inaugaral year at Pearson ECS, Heather
was instrumental in organizing staff and supporting
my administrative position. She was an active participant
with the dedication program as well as day to day
activities which made our first year a smooth transition.
Heather continues to be an active participant in
the Pearson ECS school community. She has gained
respect from her peers, students and families.
She has an outstanding ability to identify and assess
student needs, write an individual educational plan
to address the individual needs of the student, plan
developmentally appropriate activities for the student,
and maintain anecdotal records of a child's progress.
She is a positive professional who is able to communicate
effectively with staff members, students and parents.
Heather has had extensive community involvement
to include presenting at Parent Teacher Association
meetings, Collin County Community College Education
Symposium and at Texas Speech and Hearing Association
state conferences. She works effortlessly to bring
community awareness to our staff by providing ways
to get involved in the community to include breast
cancer awareness, Down Syndrome walk, Leukemia walk,
and March For Respect. She has also served on the
Pearson PTA as the Vice President of Ways & Means
Committee. She has an effective method to make every
opportunity a learning moment for staff, students
and the school community.
She is a highly motivated team player who is organized,
enthusiastic and a goal-oriented leader. Leadership
roles include organization of all the speech language
pathologists at Pearson ECS, writing and implementing
goals and objectives for 40 students with special
needs, and mentor/supervisor for peer speech/language
pathologists. She is energetic, curious and willing
to take risks!
She has high expectations for herself
and others on her team. Heather is a perfect representative
for all experienced teachers for not only Pearson
ECS but also for Plano ISD!
Sincerely,
Cheri Izbicki, Ed.D.
|
