Grades/subjects you teach: Third grade
E-mail address: abrigham@chatham.k12.nc.us
Date, place of birth: Sept. 8, Lexington
Education (high school & college attended, degrees): Faith Christian School; Elon University, Bachelors Degree
Brief work history: Two years at Chatham Academy, seven years at Robbins Elementary, 18 years at Bennett School
Honors/awards: Two-time teacher of the year at Bennett School
Hobbies/interests outside of educating: Reading, walking, spending time with my two girls
Family: Husband and two daughters
What led you to a career in education?: I always wanted to be a teacher. Played school all the time when I was little. My mother was a preschool teacher.
Who were your favorite teachers as you went through school, and what did you learn from them?: Mrs. Boniface. She had a lot of patience and spent numerous hours outside the classroom helping students.
Has becoming an educator been all you expected it would be?: Yes
How has education changed since you were a student?: A lot more is expected from students.
What “makes your day” as an educator?: When something “clicks” with a student and they are so proud of their accomplishments.
What’s working in schools today?: Meeting the needs of individual students, small group lessons and incorporating a lot of technology.
What’s not working?: Students are being tested too much.
What’s your favorite memory of your first year in education?: Teaching non-readers how to read.
Best piece of advice for other educators?: Get to know your kids, and let them know you.
For students?: It’s OK to make mistakes and ask for help.
For parents?: Encourage and support your child, but don’t give them an easy out.
What about your job would most surprise your friends who are not educators?: How much time is spent on school work outside the classroom. There is never a dull moment in the classroom.
If you could somehow magically instill one truth into the heads of your students, what would it be?: Always do your best work even when no one is watching.
If one of your students was asked for a one-word description of you by a student who hadn’t had you as an educator, what would that one word be?: Kind.
Favorite movie about school or education: “The Breakfast Club.”
How would you summarize your philosophy as an educator?: I believe an outstanding teacher accommodates the academic, social and emotional needs of their students. The classroom experience is exciting and memorable for the students. Being a teacher requires a lot of patience, good communication skills, problem solving and the ability to motivate students. It requires thinking outside the box, lots of hands-on-learning and hours of thoughtful planning.
What five things must every educator know?: Have a positive attitude, good relationship with students, consistency, clear expectations and teach different learning styles.
What’s special about your school?: Teachers collaborate and share ideas.
Most unusual question you’ve ever gotten from a student?: Did you help out during the Civil War?