The first graders in Susan Howard’s STEM class at Lanier School for Inquiry, Investigation and Innovation Tuesday afternoon did not even realize they were learning because they were having fun.
Howard, who is a finalist for Georgia’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, was teaching her students about jellyfish when they were visited by a special guest- Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods.
Howard challenged her students to build their own jellyfish using paper plates, straws, and other classroom materials. She moved to each group gathered within colored triangles taped on the classroom floor, kneeling down to praise students who succeeded and comfort students who struggled.
After visiting for about an hour, Woods said it was “clear to see” why Howard is a finalist.
“She has a passion…you come in and definitely see there was a smile in everything she did, so she sets the environment of the room,” said Woods. “You can see there's not anything that goes on in there that is happenstance, but if things do change, obviously she has an ability to bend with it.”
Howard was named a finalist earlier in the month. The 2023 Teacher of the Year will be revealed during a gala on April 30.
Howard said she was honored to have Woods visit, as well as grateful her nomination is spotlighting project based learning.
“It's important to the lives of children and their future. I believe it impacts the trajectory of their lives in a positive way that makes them contributing and fulfilling members of society,” said Howard. “I feel like as a top 10 Teacher, I'm able to showcase that for their sake”
At the end of class, Woods presented Howard with a medal for her designation as a finalist, much to the applause of her students.
“She should be a rockstar,” said one student.
