How should we celebrate great teachers? Is it just noting their background, years of service, and awards, or is there a better way? For me, a great teacher is one that leaves a lasting impression on the people they engage with. I was lucky enough to have been inspired by several great teachers. I cannot recall much if anything about their backgrounds, but I can share much about how they inspired me.
To that end, I will celebrate a great teacher by using the recollections of people that have been inspired by Paula Curtis, the lead head start teacher at the Taconi Head Start Center in Ocean Springs. What follows is a commentary from a colleague, volunteers, and most importantly, two of her students over the past 10 years. Without shame on my part, those students are two of my grandchildren that will forever remember their time in her care.
The common thread across these remembrances is how Curtis can turn a simple observation or opportunity into a learning adventure. Coupled with limitless enthusiasm, this teacher takes the opportunity to another level through reading and hands on activities that engage every student, and any parent or volunteer that lingers nearby. You cannot help but want to help this teacher because you know it will be awesome. For colleagues and volunteers, her innovative and out of the box thinking make her a star in the classroom. For her students, the adventures become fond memories.
“Mrs. Curtis will always be special to me. She showed me how to find beauty in the little things and how being myself is the best version of me. The world needs more teachers like her,” said Cadence, now 14 years old. For Audrielle, now six years old, the mention of Curtis elicits a bright smile at first, that turns to a sadder expression because “I miss and love her so much.” Her favorite memory (of many) – “When we made little star strings.”
As for the adults with whom Curtis works with, Vanessa Gibson (executive director of Community Action of South Mississippi) spares nothing when she says, “Mrs. Curtis’ classroom is a hub of engaging and exciting activities that keep the children involved and interested. It’s always a delight to visit her class and see the enthusiasm of the students as they participate in various polls and surveys (author’s note – Yes, you read that correctly – polls and surveys = engagement!). Whether it’s counting the birds they spot on the playground or the insects they discover over the weekend, the children are always eager to learn and explore. Thanks to Mrs. Curtis’ innovative teaching methods, her students are not only having fun but also gaining valuable knowledge and skills.”
As for community volunteers (including me) that have helped with Earth Day events over the past few years, they no longer ask silly questions like “why this activity?” Last year, it was Earth Balls (with embedded wildflower seeds). This year, it was planting Dandelions. How can you not smile when helping bright-eyed boys and girls roll up paper and seeds into an earth-colored ball or put dirt in a cup and plant their own seeds. And we all know that these activities were only part of Curtis’ “wily” plan for making memories with these young people.
For me, I just do whatever Curtis asks me to do. After confirming that she indeed wanted to plant Dandelions this year (just wanted to make sure I read it correctly), I went right out and collected seed heads. Great teachers inspire more than just their students. They inspire those of us that have the privilege to watch them work their magic. My two granddaughters will recall Mrs. Curtis long into their adult lives as their first classroom teacher – that took them on adventures – that were memorable – but also taught them something. Exactly what Head Start is designed to do.
Oh, I almost forgot to say that Curtis graduated from a good school, has a couple of certifications, and well – you know – background that qualifies her to teach.
But Paula Curtis is a great teacher – because it is in her bones.
Photo credits: Paula Curtis and Audrielle – Mary LaSalle; Earth Ball – Mark LaSalle; Child Planting – Paula Curtis.