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Teacher of the Year 2007-2008
Did you know that Gina McCollough is Castle Hills' 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year? Mrs. McCollough has been working in the educational profession for years. She has taught in the Lewisville ISD for years and at Castle Hills since its establishment.
Her Greatest Accomplishments: I consider my accomplishments my fulfillments in life. My first fulfillment is my family. I have been blessed with 2 beautiful sons, a beautiful daughter, and an extremely supportive husband. Someone once told me that your family gives you strength and I couldn't agree more. I wake up each morning knowing that I give 100% because of them. I can't wait to see their smiles greeting me at the end of the workday.
After working in the corporate world for many years, I was struggling for fulfillment. As an inventory analyst, I learned that numbers last as long as they are saved on the computer or archived. Through teaching, all things learned last a lifetime. It fulfills me to know that the experiences students take with them that was created with me, along with my assistants, will last them a lifetime. Yes, fulfillment for me takes place everyday: when I see a child smile, when I hear a child laugh, when a child reaches a milestone, and when a child takes your hand. It means the world to me knowing I made a difference in that child's life.
Her Favorite Quote: “You've got to go out on a limb sometimes because that's where the fruit is.” Will Rogers
Her Advice to Upcoming, Aspiring Educators: Compassion, patience, and organization are three key attributes. If everything you do and all choices made are student-centered and facilitated in the best interest for the child then you will always find success. Yes, there are struggles and frustrations as well as peaks and valleys, but the end result is always the greatest pay off. One thing wonderful about this profession is that everyday is different. So, if the student didn't get it that day try a different way the next day. It's amazing the difference a day makes. One last thing, collaborate with fellow teachers. We all teach differently; therefore, having an abundance of different ideas. Don't be afraid to ask.
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Technology Model Teacher 2007-2008
Technology model teachers are classroom teachers that have been selected to have a model classroom because they consistenly integrate Technology with their curriculum.
Did you know that Mona Effler, our LEAP teacher, is one of our Technology Model Teachers?
How has Technology changed your way of teaching: "I'm still the same old teacher I always was: I care about what my students learn and worry about how to best meet their needs. With technology, I am able to engage them in their lessons by "hooking" their attention using something they already know and use.
Technology is not just a skill to be taught in isolation. It can open the door to all other disciplines and allow students to roam within them. Plus, it's cool."
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Technology Model Teacher 2007-2008
Did you know that Marlene Robbins, one of our second grade teachers, is another one of our Technology Model Teachers?
How has Technology changed your way of teaching: "Using technology in my classroom has greatly impacted my way of teaching by allowing me to give my students more opportunities to be creative. They have enjoyed using tools such as Nettrekker, a search engine for students, to do research on a variety of topics that are studied in the classroom. I've recently gotten my Promethean Active Board which also allows the students to be more involved interactively in their learning. Schoolweb is a wonderful tool as well. It allows the children to share information about themselves, get homework, and it helps their parents stay current on class happenings."
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Castle Hills Elementary Est. 2002