CONGRATULATIONS TO
Abby Terranova '10
2014 Exceptional Educator of the Year
Pictured above are the Education Department faculty presenting the Exceptional Educator of the Year Award to Abby Terranova '10 at the Teacher Tailgate event during Homecoming 2014. Left to right are: Dr. Laurie Bauer, Abby Terranova, Dr. Debbie Hanson, and Dr. Dustin Bailey.
Exceptional Educator of the Year 2014 - Abby Terranova, 2010
Abby is part of a team of young teachers who have created a plan for a new type of school as part of a competition in Jefferson County Public Schools of Louisville, KY. Their school model won the competition and will be located at 1213 Catalpa Avenue for the 2015-2016 School year:
Mission: The Catalpa School is a collaboration of community members and educators providing an approach to education that blends the Waldorf tradition with Kentucky Core Academic Standards.
Vision: The vision of The Catalpa School is to educate the child rhythmically and respectfully by using methods inspired by Waldorf tradition. We strive to meet the academic needs of each unique child through a balance of art, music, drama, movement, and experiences in nature, thereby building each child’s capacity to think creatively and critically, to understand and manage emotions, and to work in a focused and willing manner. This holistic approach to education, combined with actively reaching out to families and community, ensures that each child begins his or her path of lifelong learning on more equitable footing.
Four Key Components of Catalpa School Implementation –
- Artistic Integration
- Play with Social Intent
- Relationships as a Foundation
- Nutrition and Sustainability
Links:
http://portal.ksba.org/public/Meeting/Attachments/DisplayAttachment.aspx?AttachmentID=219522
http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Pubs/MondayMemo/images/SOIapps/23%20The%20Catalpa%20School.pdf
http://wfpl.org/post/two-concepts-win-jcps-school-innovation-competition
http://www.wdrb.com/story/26247182/jcps-school-board-to-select-school-of-innovation-finalist
http://www.wave3.com/story/26254780/jcps-board-approves-schools-of-innovation-cuts-magnet-schools
More information about Abby’s short, but already very distinguished career as an educator:
- HC Graduation – 2010 Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Philosophy
- Post Graduate Education - Spalding University, Master of Education, emphasis on Teacher Leadership and English Language Learner credentialing, 2013
- Where did you do student teaching? Byck Elementary J
- Teaching Career Timeline (initial employment to present) –
- Fall 2010-Spring 2012 – 2nd Grade Teacher at Byck Elementary
- Fall 2012-Present – 3rd Grade Teacher at Byck Elementary
- Professional memberships –
- President of the Board of Directors: Kentahten Teacher Training - The mission of Kentahten Teacher Training is to inspire and challenge seasoned educators to renew their calling through training in the cultivation of human capacities. This training integrates the artistic and healing pedagogy of Waldorf education with 21st century educational research, resulting in a more deeply developed understanding of the human being. Kentahten Teacher Training is member of the Alliance of Public Waldorf Education, and I have attended the past two International Conferences held at the Rudolf Steiner College in Sacramento, California.
- JCPS Waldorf-Inspired Cadre – A collaboration of teachers using the Waldorf methodology within the public schools district-wide.
- Further Goals –
No concrete plans at this time beyond full-time dedication to the implementation of The Catalpa School, where I plan to teach and serve on the Administrative Leadership Team!! J
I am interested in pursuing credentials in additional areas of Waldorf approach, for example, handwork or extra lesson certification. I may additionally pursue administrative certification.
- Other information regarding teaching career –
Jefferson County Teacher Association, Building Representative, Byck Elementary, 2012- Present
School Based Decision Making Committee, Council Member, Byck Elementary, 2013-Present
Action Team, Coordinator, Byck Elementary, 2013-Present
Instructional Leadership Team, Byck Elementary, 2011-2014
School Support Team, Primary Representative, Byck Elementary, 2011-2012
Professional Learning Community: Number Talks, Winter-Spring 2011
Awards:
Byck Elementary Garden Grant, Kentahten Cadre, 2013
Advancing Teacher Scholarship, Jefferson County Teachers’ Association, 2012
Rookie of the Year Award, Byck Elementary, 2013
PRAXIS Academic Achievement Award, 2010
Hilda Flint Cordrey Award for Highest Academic Achievement, Hanover College, 2010
- How your Hanover College Education Dept. background has helped you –
In my experience at Hanover, I was pushed to ask the big questions. My natural curiosity was fostered. I left the Hanover College Education Department with countless skills in the classroom and fearlessness to do what is right by the students. Without the incredible flexibility and abundant love provided to me by both the education and philosophy departments, I question whether this crucial time in my own development would have had such a tremendous outcome. Hanover gave me the foundation I needed to come into my own as a teacher.
- Additional history/personal information that would be good for our readers to know –
La Minga Collective Farm (501c3), Secretary to the Board of Directors, 2013-Present
The Neighborhood Institute through The Center for Neighborhoods, Winter 2014
- Developed leadership skills needed to begin and manage successful neighborhood projects
The Green Institute through The Center for Neighborhoods, Summer 2013
- Participated in professional discourse on environmental stewardship with community members
Germantown-Paristown Neighborhood Association, Summer 2011-Present
15Thousand Farmers, Summer 2010-Present
Louisville Permaculture Guild, Spring 2011-Present
Fund for the Arts, Member, Summer 2010-Present
- How you chose your career as an educator and what you hope to accomplish in the future –
- I spent many of my greatest summers as an overnight summer camp counselor, and found that teaching was the best way to merge my passion for learning with my care of children.
- As I have spent the past year working to successfully launch The Catalpa School program, my future is a bit unclear, but I anxiously anticipate working for years to come within the school!
- I am in the process of writing a Rank I degree program for public-Waldorf education in partnership with a local university – this would allow Catalpa School and other interested teachers to receive graduate credit for their required professional development.
- Advice for current teacher candidates and new teachers?
Resist the temptation to become overwhelmed by the politics behind teaching, both nationally and within your school. Seek out innovative methods of education. Every day, it is your job to meet the children where they are. It’s easy to forget the reason you started teaching, the kids, and they are priority. You can’t be afraid to stand up against odds to support them. It won’t always be comfortable, but teaching takes renewed courage every day – and thank goodness for summer!
http://portal.ksba.org/public/Meeting/Attachments/DisplayAttachment.aspx?AttachmentID=219522
http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Pubs/MondayMemo/images/SOIapps/23%20The%20Catalpa%20School.pdf
http://wfpl.org/post/two-concepts-win-jcps-school-innovation-competition
http://www.wdrb.com/story/26247182/jcps-school-board-to-select-school-of-innovation-finalist
PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE "EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR" AWARD:
2014 - Ms. Abby Terranova
2013 - Mrs. Kimberley Mahoney '87
2012 - Mr. Gary Gellert '74
2011 - Mrs. Joyce Knox Imel '67
2010 - Dr. Suellen Kinder Reed '67
Do you know a Hanover College teacher alumni who should be honored for their work and achievement?
Please email any of our faculty members or Program Assistant, Cheryl Torline torline@hanover.edu