Deeanna Golden, a teacher of 24 years at F.M. Golson
Elementary School in Marianna, Florida, is a beloved Illuminations lesson plan
writer. Her love of being a teacher stems from the belief that “kindergarten
teachers have a unique responsibility to develop excitement for learning which
will set the foundation for students’ attitude towards school and learning.”
How true!
Golden was encouraged by Linda Walker, a math consultant for
her district, to apply for the 2010 NCTM Illuminations project. At the
institute, she “wrote lessons for Illuminations and participated in exceptional
professional development.”
Illuminations asked her, “Why do you think it is important
to share resources?” Her answer:
I believe it is
essential to student achievement that educators share resources. We are each
other’s best resource for quality, proven resources. With new standards, it is
essential that we share ideas so we can creatively challenge every student so
they can exceed expectations.
My tip to other
educators considering submitting a resource is to not hesitate. Everyone has
something to offer. Consider taking a lesson that was a success in your
classroom and sharing it through Illuminations. Teachers are always looking for
better and more creative lessons to enhance their teaching.
My experience with
Illuminations has opened doors for me to increase my professional development. Along
with being a team leader, I have written lessons for CPALMS, which is Florida’s
official site for standards and resources. In addition, I have been a presenter
for the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM), Chipola College’s
Future Educator Club, and for other teachers in my district. I also have an
educational blog where I share ideas with other educators, and I enjoy sharing
lessons and units on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Our school has 17
kindergarten classes, and I was given the opportunity to write math lessons
that align with the Common Core standards. I provide complete lessons and
activity sheets for our team of teachers on a weekly basis. I have enjoyed, and
still to this day enjoy, the challenge of creating exciting, proven lessons
that are building a solid foundation in math. I do not think I would have had
the courage to do these things without my experience with NCTM.
What a moving and motivating response! So, Illuminations
would now like to ask you, “What
awesome resources do you have that deserve to be shared?” Earn the opportunity
to become published by Illuminations today by submitting your resource to [email protected].
And while you’re here, check out Golden’s resources on
Illuminations for pre-K–grade 2.
