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Ms. Elisabeth Keyes
Why Teach?
I had the desire to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten. As I grew and matured, my desire to teach never wavered. It was my passion to encourage others anyway possible. I enjoyed seeing others (young and old) achieve something that they thought they could not do. "If you try one step at a time one can make it." Then, I came out of retirement of 32+ years of working the Columbus School System. WHY? When you have a deep, deep passion about something, it is a part of you and stay with you always. God has appointed and anointed me to teach.
Teaching at the Academy
When I first came to teach at the Academy, my intentions were to substitute for several weeks until they found a regular replacement for the teacher. Because of my passion for teaching and love for children; I didn't want them to make a third transition and half the year will be gone; and they would be cheated out of important learning information necessary for their academic growth. (For young children to adjust to different teachers' teaching techniques two more times is not easy.) I prayed and said if this is God's will for me; I will continue as a regular teacher. I enjoyed the children, staff, and the cooperation of the parents. Being here is really a dream. The environment and materials for the children's learning is GREAT.
Also, to be able to teach the WORD of God to the young is wonderful and a service to God.
My Classroom
I believe in being consistent with my students. I don't write RULES but EXPECTATIONS. Expectations allow the students to learn from mistakes and to grow knowing which things that are acceptable in this environment. A student should be told and taught that he/she is responsible for his/her social and academic behavior; and that for every action there is a consequence. It is important that the consequence be fair and just; but most of all carried out. Students must understand "That you mean what you say, and say what you mean."
I believe in HIGH expectations of my students. Students can do what is expected with encouragement from the TEAM -(parents and Teachers working together) Our common goal, are the children and their futures. I have taught all grades First through Eighth as a, Reading Specialist, Technology Specialist, and Behavioral Intervention Specialist. I believe that all CHILDREN can achieve. "Let's exercise the GRAY CELLS". "Brain Power is the most important power one can possess." I don't expect anymore from my students then I am willing to do myself.
My Students
A child will learn:
that he/she is responsible for their actions
that being and doing the BEST you can at all times makes you feel good
that when you say you are finished with your lesson(s) check it over
to follow and live by I Thessalonians 4:11:
"Try you best to live a quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard; just as we taught you to do."
Quotes from My Students…
Diamond: "I liked doing my Science project."
Aniya: "I learned to use the dictionary and my brain better."
Allassne: "Ms. Keyes want kids to learn. She helps me improve in Math."
Jamasia: "Ms. Keyes is fun. She gives us a treat when we are doing the right thing."
Audrey: "Ms. Keyes is teaching me how to pray. I write in my Prayer Journal every morning during our Devotion Period."
Bryce: "I like Ms. Keyes class, it is fun. Ms. Keyes stretches my brain."
Lonnie: "I liked the Art and Crafts".
Alex: "Ms. Keyes help me to do the right things and to learn about planets."
Antoino: "Ms. Keyes teaching about love, being kind, and most of all about God."
Indigo: "Ms. Keyes congratulates me when I get plus(+) sign on my daily behavior chart."
Parental Involvement
Daily, I send process reports to parents; there is space for comments and we communicate with each other. A monthly Newsletter goes out to them, letting them know what we are doing and plan on doing in class. I want parents to feel free and have an open communication, classroom visit, and continue to encourage and assist their child(ren).
My Educator Mentors
Several of my elementary teachers and junior high teachers were very encouraging in helping me to become the person I am today. One example: my sixth grade teacher was a male and had a terrible handwriting that the students could not read his board work (we didn't have a lot of workbooks and dittos back then); because I was such a good writer, he had me to write on the boards for him. I enjoyed doing it!
What do you want your students to remember about you?
I want my students to remember that I loved and cared that they do the Best they can and to be the Best that they can be.
God Has Great Plans For You!
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