National Teacher of the Year Finalist Featured in Scholastic Magazine

Springfield’s very own National Teacher of the Year finalist Melissa Porfirio from Crestwood Elementary was recently featured in the new Back to School 2014 issue of Scholastic Instructor magazine.

In the new issue of Instructor, Porfirio discusses her success as a first-grade teacher, including how her background in social work has influenced her teaching style.

From home visits with students’ families to utilizing the Responsive Classroom method, Porfirio details her whole-child approach to learning and passion for education.

“I’ve never said, ‘I always played teacher with my sister in the basement.’ It wasn’t on my radar, but I knew I wanted to do something where I could affect change in the world,” said Porfirio when asked about her career change.

To read the full “Cool Teacher: Melissa Porfirio” feature, click here:

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/cool-teacher-melissa-porfirio

PHOTO of Melissa Porfirio courtesy of FCPS