Behind every great student is a great teacher. These teachers make spelling and vocabulary fun. They serve as spelling coaches, moderators and judges, but more often than not, they are simply motivators who encourage the students to be the best they can be. In the "Teacher Feature," we celebrate the men and women who educate the youth of our country.
Starting at a new school can be tough. You have to find your way around the building, learn the names of all the teachers, and make new friends. Yes, life can be tough for a teacher starting at a new school. (Did you think we were talking about students?)
Mrs. Erin Marone
was new to Dayton Avenue Elementary School in Manorville, N.Y. at the beginning
of the 2013-2014 school year. However, she found a quick solution to the
challenge of being new to the school - she organized the school spelling bee.
"Being given the responsibility of running a spelling bee helped me become accustomed to the staff in my school and building relationships," Marone said. "I work with incredible teachers and staff to plan the event, and got to know each and every student who was participating in the Bee."
The Dayton Avenue Elementary spelling bee is for fourth through sixth grade, but an additional bee for the third graders prepares them for the years to come.
As the lead technology teacher and library media specialist at Dayton Avenue Elementary, Mrs. Marone says she has the best job because "it combines reading, teaching and technology." She helps students boost their vocabulary though a selection of eBooks and print books. Many students even come to the media center during recess to play word games or prepare for the spelling bee. (Keep up with the media center's blog: http://daytonmediacenter.blogspot.com/)
Mrs. Marone also works with the literacy coach to organize several online book clubs that use technology to enhance a student's understanding of the text. She even serves on a districtwide technology committee to help drive the district's technological vision for the future.
Even with all she does, the spelling bee will always hold a special place in Mrs. Marone's heart.
"We received such a positive response from the students because they were so excited to represent their class and grade level in the bee," Marone said. "We opened the spelling bee up to parents of the winners and runner-ups so the gymnasium was packed."
The Scripps National Spelling Bee congratulates Mrs. Marone on finding a fun way to fit in at her new school, and thanks her for encouraging reading and spelling through the technology center at Dayton Avenue Elementary.
If you'd like to nominate a teacher for an upcoming teacher feature, let us know. Fill out your contact information at the link, then nominate the teacher on the following page.