Wendy Miller
James W. Smith Elementary School
Cove City, NC

"Learning is an adventure. Because of this belief, my classroom is a unique learning place filled with excitement. For my students, school has been a place of struggle, a place where they never quite feel accepted, and most of all a place that is just not fun! Learning must be fun! For this reason, my strategies are sometimes silly, but always fun and effective in engaging students in the learning process. The look of wonder in a child's eyes � that's why I teach."

"The classroom community that Wendy has created allows for multi-level learning. She caters to all learning styles to foster all the students' needs. She keeps the classroom bright and cheerful. The students and parents respect her. Her attitude towards teaching and learning runs through the hearts of all the children."

As students arrived at school one Monday morning, a huge pirate ship, complete with sails and a flying flag, awaited them. Their classroom had been transformed into an island complete with sand and treasure. There were no desks, no chairs, and no teacher. And then a pirate entered. All of this set the stage for Wendy (as the pirate) to embark on a lesson that would include math, geography, and health. She believes her students thrive in a safe and supportive learning atmosphere. Wendy continually strives to help her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She sets a tone of acceptance where all students are active participants in their own learning and are free to take risks.

Other Highlights:

• Developed "Share Fair" that provides opportunities for teachers of special needs children to meet and share ideas that promote student learning. The "Share Fair" has opened the door for many teachers to use collaboration as a valuable tool in planning and celebrating student success.
• Presenter at the Continuous Improvement Conference on the topic of authentic learning, 2001
• Mentor to new teachers
• Developed STAR Program (Students Teaching Acceptance and Responsibility) in order to enrich the academic and social program at her school
• Wrote and implemented the grant Project MEMORY (Make Every Moment an Optimum Reflection of Yourself) which developed partnerships between her class and community businesses. The grant involved "building" scrapbooks while integrating academic & social skills across all academic areas.
• Wrote and implemented Project PETAL (Pupil Enrichment Through Authentic Learning), which acquired funding to study plants and apply what was learned by constructing a flowerbed around the school's sign.