GLE AWARDS

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BIG NEWS!

     Ms. Candy Willis has been named, “Gilbert Linkous Teacher of the Year!” Candy was selected because of her never-ending enthusiasm for children and their learning.  She is champion of children, always looking for new and exciting activities and ways to engage students in their learning. I recently observed Ms. Willis teaching a lesson on clouds. The students were taught a song about clouds, learned new vocabulary words, checked the weather outside, participated in a cloud art center, worked on a cloud worksheet, learned about different weather instruments, and discussed the importance of knowing what the weather forecast is – WHEW! I was exhausted! After I left, Ms. Willis repeated the lesson for the next group. I don’t know how she did it!

     Miss Willis’ room is a perfect example of how all students should be taught and treated! It is a wonderful world where learning is fun, students are challenged, and creativity abounds! Candy involves parent helpers to work at centers; she utilizes the special education aides’ talents, and always has a kind word to say about her students. If I could clone Candy Willis, I would!

 CONGRATULATIONS TO DIANE NAFF!

     The Virginia Association for the Gifted has recently selected Diane Naff as the Region VI recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted Award for 2007. Diane has worked as a classroom teacher and a gifted teacher for over twenty years. During that time, Diane has developed a reputation as someone who is willing to go the extra mile, determined to help children excel, and she is a lifelong learner.

     Mrs. Naff’s day often starts out with her working in the gifted book library where she sends books to other teachers in the district to use. She then moves on to one of her three schools where she works with small groups of children and helps teachers develop lessons to meet the needs of advanced learners. From there, she’ll lead a parent meeting, complete forms and test a student or two. Diane’s day is never the same and she is BUSY! BUSY! BUSY! However, she is never too busy to help others and work on a committee! GLE is PROUD to have such a talented, knowledgeable, and energetic teacher on its staff!

 MISS WILLIS AND MRS. NAFF – YOU’RE AWESOME!

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