February 2018 Educator of the Month
The entire Laurel School Community is thrilled to announce that Mrs. Joy Bishop has been selected as February’s “Educator of the Month”. Mrs. Bishop first began her career in education as a paraprofessional at Laurel School. During those early years as a paraprofessional, colleagues recognized her talents, and encouraged her to pursue a degree in teaching. Mrs. Bishop enrolled in Indiana University East where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement. She credits her years as a paraprofessional as a “priceless experience” and a “wonderful learning opportunity” for an aspiring teacher.
Now in her 19th year as a certified teacher, Mrs. Bishop teaches kindergarten at Laurel School. According to Bishop, “teaching enthusiastic kindergarten children is a daily learning opportunity for myself and is never predictable. Kindergarten is an unique grade level. Kindergarten has developed into a grade where the foundations for learning are most definitely taught; but there is so much more to kindergarten. Children are learning to exist together and grow as a family of learners. At this level, you can actually see the moments of “I got it!”. Equally exhilarating, is when these little people begin to exhibit understanding and acceptance of one another.”
Mrs. Bishop was nominated for this recognition by a parent/guardian of a child currently enrolled in Mrs. Bishop’s kindergarten class. “Mrs. Bishop has gone out of her way to teach acceptance and caring” to the children in her class. In addition, other staff in the building have commented that “Mrs. Bishop never stops teaching. She not only teaches her kindergarteners while in the classroom, but also on the playground, in the hallways, in the cafeteria, etc. Her students are always learning.”
In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Bishop is very active in the Laurel PTO. She is also the Pep Club Leader at the school. In her free time Mrs. Bishop enjoys perennial flower gardening, DIY projects, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
The purpose of the “Educator of the Month” program is to recognize outstanding Franklin County educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the school, dedication to the students, and involvement in the community. Nomination forms for “Educator of the Month” can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us.