Cramer College Preparatory Lab School

Teacher of the Year

I believe each child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. My role as a teacher is to give them the tools they need to achieve their goals in life. Students need a caring, safe, and motivating classroom environment. It is my responsibility to create such an atmosphere by implementing different teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of each student. My priority is to establish high expectations and structure opportunities for success. I teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable, confident, and successful. I believe that is very important to recognize positive qualities of students throughout the school year. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students.

As a bilingual teacher my role is to motivate students to master the English language, to prepare them to become productive, respectful of authority, and responsible members of their community. Students learn be proud of their heritage. They also become aware of other ethnic groups in their community and learn that they have different cultures.

Maintaining an open communication with parents provides an essential piece in the teaching-learning process. Immigrant parents must feel welcome in school. They should feel comfortable when visiting their child’s classroom and feel free to ask about what is taking place in their son/daughter education. My responsibility is to inform parents/guardians about student’s growth and/or challenges.

Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment takes place through an open sharing of ideas and disciplines. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. When students discover their strengths, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals. I will always encourage my students to strive for the best; to believe in themselves, and to love themselves.

Cramer's Teacher of the Year, Ms. Beatriz Derisse
3rd Grade Bilingual