Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1297492
1) What does it feel like to be named VFW Teacher of the Year? I feel so blessed to know that the local VFW felt I was worthy of this award and to Greta Ayers, my co- worker, for nominating me. I love working with our local VFW and my Kindergarten students to help them learn about citizenship. 2) Why is it important for your students to be learning about civic engagement? I believe that all students need to have an understanding of our country, our flag, and our veterans and how those all contributed to our country being what it is today. At a young age, I was taught to respect my elders, most of whom were veterans, and respect the flag. Students need to be taught the importance of respect. It's not about whether we all agree; it's about having the right to disagree. Every day, I teach my students that the y don't "all have to get along," but we have to respect one another for what we think and believe. 3) Do you incorporate real-world or current events into your curriculum? We are very fortunate to have the local VFW want to be a part of teaching Civic responsibility to our young students. Since I began teaching at Guernsey-Sunrise Elementary, in Guernsey, in 2014, the VFW has been an active part of the Kinder garten curriculum in citizenship education. They come into our classroom and talk about our flag, our country, and our veterans. Every year, we participate in the Veteran's Day program, leading the Pledge of Allegiance for all spectators. This year we will be doing many different kinds of voting within our classroom and will hopefully be allowed to visit the polling area, which takes place in our school. I want students to see that they can have and be a part of different things within our community as they get older. 4) What's unique or different about your teaching style? I am the first to dish out hugs every day (with my mask on)! I want students to be self-assured, self- sufficient within our classroom and school, held accountable, and truly believe in the "Power of Yet"! I can be completely serious with our learning, yet turn on a dime and become completely silly. I am that teacher who cares too much, allows students to fill her heart every year completely, and still somehow has infinite room for my new students each year. 5) What words of wisdom would you share with colleagues working to become exceptional educators? I would tell other educators to remember that we never know what kids bring to the table ev ery day. We have to give them what they need at the time to help them be successful. Sometimes it's a hug or a positive word. Other times it may be a second breakfast, not asking why they are still hungry. Making sure all parts of a student's wellbeing are taken care of should be our overall goal. 6) What inspired you to become a teacher? A woman named Jo Davis, she came into my life when I was about 3. S he was my sister's Kindergarten teacher. She then became mine. Mrs. Davis had the most infectious smile and laugh. She wore high heels every day, had rosy cheeks, and made us laugh. Mrs. Davis was fun, yet made us work every day. I loved going to school and loved learning. I don't remember a day when I didn't like going to Kindergarten. She had a positive influence on me from the day I walked into her cl assroom. Mrs. Davis is the one teacher I will never forget. I appreciate that she took the time to get to know each of us, followed all of us throughout our years in school, and continued to through some of our college years. She was the teacher I always wanted to be! I just hope I am filling even a part of her shoes! WEA News caught up with Stacia Cook, Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Wyomin g's Elementary Teacher of the Year Award recipient. Now a kindergarten teacher in Guernsey, Stacia has been teaching for 23 years. Learn more about Stacia's teaching style, her inspiration, and more in this WEA Q&A. Stacia Cook - VFW Elementary Teacher of the Year Stacia Cook with students from her class of kindergartners. September 2020. 28