Behind every great student is a great teacher. These teachers make learning fun by thinking outside the box and creating classroom experiences that resonate with their students. They serve many roles in their schools, as spelling coaches, school bee coordinators and judges; more often than not, they are motivators who encourage their students to be the best they can be. In the “Teacher Feature,” we celebrate these educators and their commitment to their students' education.
Today we are highlighting the work of Ms. Yvonne Asakawa, an art teacher at Compass Academy Charter School in Odessa, Texas. Compass Academy Charter School is part of the Ector County Independent School District spelling bee program.
Maria Johnson, a parent, reached out to the Bee about Ms. Asakawa, who acts as the spelling bee coordinator for Compass Academy Charter School. Ms. Johnson said that Ms. Asakawa “went above and beyond as the bee coordinator,” making sure that all the students felt prepared to participate, even devoting her own time to help them get ready.
Ms. Johnson’s child, Madison, won the school spelling bee at Compass Academy Charter School and advanced to the regionals last year. Ms. Asakawa once again went above and beyond and “organized a team of college professors and experts in foreign languages to assist Madison.” Ms. Johnson says that it was Ms. Asakawa’s powerful words of encouragement last year that already have Madison excited about this year’s spelling bee.
Ms. Johnson said that Ms. Asakawa “has been a part of the Compass family for several years and remains consistent with her efforts to make Compass and the students better each year. It is obvious that she enjoys the role she plays in the lives of young students. She works tirelessly for the spelling bee contest and takes pride in the students and the effort they put forth.”
The Scripps National Spelling Bee would like to thank Ms. Asakawa for her dedication to her school's spelling bee program and to her students. Her passion for the Bee is infectious and has helped her students learn to love showing off their spelling skills.
If you would like to nominate an educator for an upcoming "Teacher Feature," fill out this brief survey about the teacher you wish to nominate.