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Michael Abney, Secondary Teacher of the Year
Philosophy of Teaching
My philosophy of teaching rests upon the axis of three simple R’s that I have always taken very seriously. Our room must be transformed into a learning zone that inspires and celebrates human achievement. The relationship we develop together is an investment that pays immeasurable dividends for years to come, and the rigor of my courses must set a standard of distinction that defines a new generation of learners.
Each year, I decorate my room with a special theme aimed at motivating students. One year sports legends grace the walls and ceiling cheering students on, while another year movie stars from around the world bring to life the Shakespearean observation, “All the world’s a stage.” Sometimes the theme is “travel” and the year’s curriculum challenges students to “see the world” through many different eyes. Perhaps the very best touches in creating an inviting ambiance for learning are provided by the students themselves. Each year, I invite them to bring meaningful, special objects from home. Jerseys and cheer uniforms hang from the ceiling, always reminding us of “that special game” or accomplishment in a child’s life. As the first six weeks of school unfold before us, the room transforms into a magical museum of legendary student achievement. Hollywood’s or the sports world’s superstars merely foreshadow the Bowman superstars yet to be.
An often overlooked piece of the teaching puzzle is the relationship a teacher must forge with each student. I truly admire and respect each of my students. My teaching position affords me endless opportunities to reflect my deep devotion to them. I arrive very early each day to find riddles and fun facts for them that stimulate their minds as they enter the room. We laugh together on Talent Tuesdays as I give students the opportunity to share their special (and sometimes quirky) talents. We celebrate current and historical events together, never wasting the chance to discuss meaningful moments in life, whether they be political, spiritual, or just plain factual. My care for students is evident in the time I spend listening to them, and conversely, talking to them about my own personal (and often vulnerable) experiences. I work hard to develop creative ways to reward them: there is a never-before-used toilet in my room filled with “treasures”.
The students absolutely love “taking a dip” in the toilet for a prize or a piece of candy as a reward for showing depth in a meaningful comment or observation. Our class mascot, Smedeley, is a lovable, fluffy character I created just for my students. He offers Smedeley bucks as rewards for special accomplishments. We work together to make mundane chores fun: we dance, we use accents when we read, we sing, we rhyme, we entertain each other...whatever it takes to make learning fun!
All of the above notwithstanding, where would teaching be today without rigor? High stakes testing is a present-day reality for students as well as teachers. That reality serves as an anchor for me as I plan lessons and activities for my students. We embrace, rather than resist, even the toughest challenges in our classroom. After all, I’m preparing students for successful citizenship at all levels of community involvement. Having high standards means supporting a high level of communication to both students and their parents. I write a letter to parents each week detailing what we have done, what we are going to do, and why we are doing it. I send a progress report home for every student every week. Parents want to stay informed; they don’t always know hoe to, so a weekly letter and phone calls help! Students just need a stimulating environment, a powerful relationship, and tough rigor to realize their fullest potential. I nudge; I push; I inspire...but they are the stars that will rise to shine upon Plano ISD and well beyond!
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degree
- B.A.
-
Secondary English Education,
Governor’s State University
- B.A.
-
Christian Education Administration
- Oklahoma Certificate in American/English/World Literature, Grammar,
- Composition Texas Certificate with endorsement in English instruction
Teaching Experience
2003 to
Present - Bowman Middle School
- Language arts teacher/team leader
- 7th grade language arts instruction for regular and honors courses
- Academic team leader
- Member of Bowman’s Leadership Team
- 7th grade English representative for Closing the Gap Cohort professional study group.
- 2006 District Teacher of the Year nominee
- 2006 Disney Teacher Awards nominee
- Mentor teacher for new staff in 2004/5 and 2005/6 years
- Volunteer sponsor for performance groups in International Assembly
- 2003 Chair of F.I.S.H. committee
- 2004/5 National Junior Honor Society co-sponsor
- Campus AVID coordinator
2000 to 2003 - Jenks Middle School, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 8th grade language arts instruction for regular and advanced level placement
- Department chair
- Textbook adoption committee chair
- Site principal search interview committee
- District vertical team committee member
- Student Leadership Club sponsor
- District Vision of Excellence nominee
- Teacher of the Year nominee
- Mentor to teacher in training through program at Oral Roberts University
- Member of Principal’s Professional Book Study Club
- Member ASCD
1998 to 2000 - Victory Christian High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- English teacher
- 12th grade Honors English and regular English instruction
- New Testament Bible teacher
- Developed curriculum for Honors course
- Senior class sponsor
- Director of senior missions trips to Barbados and Jamaica
- Mentor teacher
- Prom coordinator
- Homecoming host/emcee
- Presenter, Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship Conference
- Director of annual fall and spring retreats.
1997 to 1998 - Cleveland Middle School, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 6th grade reading, english, speech and spanish elective instruction
- Presenter for Tulsa Public Schools professional development workshop
- Newsletter editor
- Field trip coordinator for team
1991 to 1997 - Parker Junior High School, Flossmoor, Illinois
- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade language arts instruction for regular, high, and advanced levels
- Sponsor/editor for school newspaper
- Environmental Club sponsor
- Sound engineer for all school musical productions
- Research team member involved in educating community about change from junior high to middle school
- Piloted co-teaching program in conjunction with special education department
- Secretary, Flossmoor Education Association Executive Board
- Member and secretary of Principal’s Parent Advisory Committee
- Grant recipient of Illinois Museum in the Classroom Technology Project.
School Principal's Recommendation
It is without hesitation that I recommend, Michael Abney as Plano Independent School District’s Teacher of the Year. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Abney for the past three years and I describe him as a teacher’s teacher. In his 7th grade English classroom, he practices his craft effortlessly with the best interest of his students foremost. Mr. Abney is always professional, solution-focused and courteous. His skills and demeanor have earned him the respect of his students, parents and colleagues.
His classroom is one of constant action and learning. Every time that I have entered his classroom, I have found both he and his students engaged and excited about the lesson. He knows how to take the most reluctant student and make them believe that they are the brightest student in the class. He uses a variety of teaching methods, employs higher level thinking skills and provides constant feedback to his students. He is truly a master teacher. He continuously monitors his students’ progress formally and informally throughout the class period. When students are not getting it, he makes himself available for tutorials and extra assistance. As a result, his students are successful and actively participate in the learning process.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Abney is also an Academic Team Leader and a member of the Bowman Leadership Team. Mr. Abney’s ability to analyze a problem and articulate the solution is one of the things that I most appreciate about him as a leader. Because he is such an outstanding teacher, I have selected him to serve on the Bowman Middle School Closing the Gap Cohort in which teachers use available data to assess, build & enhance all aspects of curriculum, instruction, and student achievement. He is highly motivated and involved in making his team, his department and Bowman a great place for students.
Mr. Abney exemplifies the best that the teaching profession has to offer. He is a tremendous asset to Bowman Middle School and the Plano Independent School District. He would make an exceptional Experienced Teacher of the Year. If you need more information as you make your decision, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Tonya Horton
Bowman Middle School
Principal
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