Schools
Veteran Teacher Seeks To Emulate Parents' Successes In Her Classroom
Walker Middle School's teacher of the year, Monica Ode, does so much more than just teach science in her classroom.
Both of Monica Ode's parents were Hillsborough County educators. So she spent a lot of time at school with them.
She learned a valuable lesson about the impact that good teachers can have on the lives of their students.
"My mother taught elementary school at Sulphur Springs, and my dad was a PE and driver's ed teacher at Jefferson," said Ode, who teaches 6th grade at Walker Middle School. "They each taught for over 38 years."
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Ode, who has been a teacher for 19 years, is highly energetic and well respected. This year she was voted Teacher of the Year for her school - the second year she/s recieved the honor.
"One of Mrs. Odet's greatest strengths is that she teaches the whole child and gives students exactly what they need to be successful," said Cecilia Glover, school psychologist. "She's worth twice her weight in gold."
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These same sentiments were echoed by Randi Baime, a guidance counselor at the school.
"Last week I brought a new student to Mrs. Ode's classroom. She immediately warmly welcomed the student into her class, which created a level of comfort in this student," Baime said.
Making students feel safe and secure in her class is what she learned from her parents about being a good teacher. Ode's philosophy is simple.
"Many students come to school with a wide array of issues that impacts their ability to learn," she said. "I want them to feel safe, supported and loved. It puts us on the next level of learning."
The walls in her classroom are filled with numerous bulletin board signs that are colorfully displayed and cover topics including: The Scientific Method, Science Lab Safety Rules and 10 Ways to Treat Others.
However, the sign that exemplifies what transpires in her classroom is a small sign that sits above her desk and reads: "Welcome to my class."
For Monica Ode it's far more than a sign, it's a feeling that she actively instills in her students, the same way her passion for teaching was instilled in her by her parents.