2008 Teacher of the Year - Region IV

Search The Site

Region IV: Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year Winner

Karla Hart

Columbus Juvenile Residential Facility, Hillsborough County

Teaching Philosophy Statement

I believe that we are all learners and that we educate ourselves in many ways in order to have success in our lives. Success and education come in many forms, especially to my students, who need to find what they want and how they learn. Once this is accomplished, they all do well. Since this is of major importance, I offer my students motivation, variety, researched-based strategies, review, and self-awareness of their achievements.

I have the greatest job; I teach a population of students who need the realization of what they can accomplish. Although they are incarcerated, they now have the opportunity to propel and receive the best quality education. Once students realize this, they take their education in their own hands and begin to work on their goals. My teaching continually becomes more individualized, as each student develops and requires attention on areas that need improvement. Eventually, students become motivated and self-directed through this process and are then able to excel in their education.

Meeting the individual academic needs of my students begins with reading. The balanced literacy approach is done through read alouds, shared, guided, and independent readings. Direct instruction, researched-based strategies, cooperative groups, graphic organizers, grade level texts, books on tape, computer-assisted learning, high-interest readings, progress monitoring, and a library are just a few of the things I expose my students to on a daily basis.

Practice and exposure of work helps build skills in my classroom; students read aloud in their groups and participate in shared readings. Students read high-interest scripts in groups to practice good phrasing and expression and check out books and media materials that interest them. Book talks are incorporated through our special tea room in which the students share their favorite books while drinking tea and eating goodies, as if they were at a real book store. This exposes all the classes to a wide selection of new books. Providing them with all of these avenues allows them to change and introduces a new way of learning.

My greatest accomplishments assisting students in obtaining high school or GED diplomas; teaching them to read, gain passing grades, and increase their reading levels; and helping them become independent learners.

I use a variety of partnerships at different levels to enhance student learning and work closely with all departments in the facility to capture what needs the students have. Graduations and family events are hosted so that families are together to celebrate the students' achievements. I schedule guest speakers who specialize in motivation, recycling, and leadership. Representatives from universities, personal trainers, and the T.R.A.I.N. program staff spend time informing my students of their options when they exit our facility. The positive exposure our population is offered is like no other. By making sure that out students have the same opportunities as students in traditional school settings sets the stage for an abundance of support and interaction with good role models. When their time comes, they are fully ready to re-enter their communities.

Positive school spirit is seen daily in the classrooms. Students have painted and created thematic murals in every class. We have a scientist, a captain, and a scenic view in our career/technical program. Students' work is displayed along with their diplomas to celebrate their achievements. A Student of the Week/Month is chosen, announced, and awarded a certificate for his/her efforts in class. We host special field days, luncheons, and FCAT celebrations for students who accomplish their educational goals.

Being a positive role model to our population is a key factor in keeping their spirits up. If you are happy and know that your glass is half full, you are bound to have a good day.

« Back to 2008 Regional Winners