Teaching Award Recipient 2012-13

Dr. Susan F. Skawinski

Elementary/Special Education

“It is my belief that teaching and learning will grow best when I work to create a classroom culture which reflects a number of common goals. One example is the goal of mutual respect for the interest and commitment which we all bring to the classroom. Such respect demands thoughtful listening on both sides of the desk and an acknowledgement that learning is a serious business requiring thorough preparation. As well there should be a willingness, particularly on my part, to value the ideas and questions my students may pose.

I expect my students to cross the threshold of our classroom with open minds that allow me to present new ways of thinking and challenge established ideas. In turn, I must venture to explore fresh ways of presenting content and crafting assignments, even as I recognize not all may be successful. In this risk taking environment, we all should be willing to push boundaries of thinking, to ask questions that may have untested answers, to carefully weigh unique points of view, to trust each other as co-conspirators in learning.”