Ann Thomas, Lou Henry Elementary

Position: Technology Integrationist

Years Teaching: 5 years at Lou Henry

Hobbies/Interests: Biking, Silversmithing, Reading

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Hands down- my students! Secondly, the ever changing nature of technology

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Balancing home and work life.

Best tip for new teachers: Form a relationship with your students before anything else. No learning takes place in the absence of that kind of connection with your students.

Best tip for career teachers: It’s so easy to get caught up in everything that needs to be done in a day but take time to enjoy your students and really listen to them. Some of the biggest belly laughs I’ve had in life have come from conversations with my sweet and funny students.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Don’t compare yourself to others. You have unique gifts you bring to the classroom that no one else has. Find them and use them!

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: This was one of the biggest surprises of my life and one I won’t ever forget. I am incredibly humbled because there are so many teachers that probably deserve this award more than me, but I am beyond appreciative of it and will be thankful for this distinction for the rest of my life.