I'm a liberal pagan living in West, Texas. Yes. That West, Texas.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Madison sixth-grade teacher honored as Roanoke's standout
Amy Tlockowski was recognized for successfully harnessing older teaching methods.
By
David Harrison 777-3523
A sixth-grade English teacher at James Madison Middle School is Roanoke's new teacher of the year.
Amy Tlockowski was named the city's top educator during a banquet Monday night at Jefferson Center. She goes on to compete for the regional teacher of the year prize.
Last year's winner, Stephanie Doyle, was eventually named the state's teacher of the year.
Tlockowski was recognized for using teaching methods that were once considered antiquated but that have been making a quiet comeback in recent years. For instance, she has her students memorize poems, then recite them, a practice that can lead to improved reading comprehension.
"By the end of the week, they own the poem," she said. "We've been doing this for months now."
Tlockowski also uses so-called "thinking maps," which help students differentiate between types of writing.
"It helps with comprehension," she said.
Tlockowski described her award as "an absolute honor," and praised district administrators and Superintendent Rita Bishop for their efforts to turn around city schools.
"I've been very proud of being a Roanoke city teacher for the nine years that I've been here," she said. "And I've been wooed by other counties, but I believe that this is where I belong."
Madison Principal Debra Deitrich said Tlockowski has "a rare ability to make school come to life for her students."
"Her English lessons are engaging and inspiring in a way that I have not seen in many classrooms throughout my career," she said.


Her students may call her Mrs. Tlockowski, but to us here in bloggerville...she's our own Buddha_girl....and I'm so fecking proud of her and to know her I could just burst...She's the proud Mama of the adorable little boy that does the 'touchdown' on my winning Cowboys posts...He calls me Gramdma Jackie...he owns my heart....go by and tell her what a great job she did and does...every day...

21 comments:

Jan said...

that is so great. I still remember poems I memorized in school and I made my students memorize poems too. The idea that this is an outdated practice is absurd. She's right, it's a way students can own a poem and make its language theirs.

Pom said...

That's a wonderful deal. Congrats to her.

Robin said...

Absolutely excellent, amazing, wonderful and terrific...just how do I get to her site to tell her that? Never mind...I'm reasonably intelligent...just internet challenged...know any more good teachers???

yellowdoggranny said...

I still remember almost verbadem 'little lord fautelroy...and who can forget' water water every where, and all the boards did shrink, water water every where and not a drop to drink...tada..!

yellowdoggranny said...

http://buddhagirlsworld.blogspot.com/

she's also on my blogroll...

Elizabeth said...

No more important job in the world! I'm glad she's getting recognition!

Willym said...

That is so wonderful and its great to hear there are still teachers like her around. I know I sound like an old fart - hell I am an old fart - but the old methods are still amongst the best. Glad to see there are still being used - by the more thoughtful and caring teachers.

Congratulations to Buddha_Girl - you have the most important job in the world and you are shining at it!

Mouthy Girl said...

Haaaaaaaa! No buttroys here! You're cracking me up!

You're a gem, Jac. This wasn't supposed to be EXPOSED news, sister. You know I keep this stuff on the down-low!

It was definitely wonderful to be recognized for my hard word, but more importantly, I hope that the award draws well-deserved attention to the hard work and motivation of all of my students. I have such pride in the hard work and determination my kids show each year! I had one come back to see me on Friday. She just finished her freshman year at the University of Virginia. Can you feel the pride?

billy pilgrim said...

are thinking maps like mind maps? mind maps are excellent memory tools, they're fun to make too.

Rox said...

Teachers have the hardest job in the world and I love it when one gets recognized for outstanding efforts! Congrats Budda Girl!!

Sling said...

I am SO pleased that there is someone out there teaching the kids how beautiful and powerful words can be!
Buddha Girl is my hero. :)

Rocky (Racquel) said...

yeah bg!!

joy said...

I remember finding out what the poem was on Monday, then on Friday we were confronted with a blank piece of paper. We did one every week. I think I remember them all. My favorite was "In Xanadu did Kublai Khan a stately pleasure dome decree..." Made me want to travel.

Heidi said...

How wonderful! Congrats Buddha_girl!

AngelConradie said...

She sounds very cool indeed.

themom said...

That's wonderful. More teachers need to get back to the basics...and EDUCATE our children. I end up reinforcing everything my grnadson is doing in school. Teachers are essentially lazy around here. I have even corrected their grammar.

Allan said...

That's a great accomplishment! The world needs more Buddha Girls!

sageweb said...

Very cool for her. Wow I missed alot in the last few days.

Mouthy Girl said...

You people are wonderful. Thank you...truly. I'm humbled. I go in each day for my kids. Bottom line, once educators lose focus on the kids and gain focus on the almighty test scores, all is lost.

Thanks for the Buddha love!

CPA Mom said...

WOOHOOO!!!!! About damn time she was recognized. I wish every single day that she was at my kids' school.

Lilly said...

Teachers are unsung heros. Way to go Buddha Girl and thanks for telling us Jackie.