Florida Panthers November 2021 Teacher of the Month

Future GoalsTM Program

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Florida Panthers November 2021 Teacher of the Month

Name:

Mary Elsemiller

School:

Park Trails Elementary; Broward County

Classroom Team:


Tell us about yourself!

Mrs. Mary Elsemiller is a teacher/media specialist at Park Trails Elementary. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Educations and a Master of Science in Library Media. She has been teaching in the Broward school system since 1999. Mary served as a primary general education classroom teacher. Looking for a new challenge in her career she transitioned to Library Media where she sees a wide variety of students from Pre K to Fifth grade. What inspires her as an educator? Looking into the face of a child who is seeking recognition, understanding, belonging and bearing witness to the transition of learning that take place. A child’s face shows everything they are thinking from their eyes, smile and the look of understanding. When I find the key to unlock the mystery in a child’s mind, and they can understand the content I am teaching, I know we are working as a team. It is finding a missing piece to a puzzle, when that child’s face lights up, their eyes change and genuine happiness shines through. That inspires her! Being able to provide a haven in the library, not only physically providing a structure in which a child may feel safe and peaceful, but emotionally and intellectually. A place where a child my ask questions and not feel as though they are being judged for not knowing. The basic needs of a child must be met allowing a child to thrive intellectually, emotionally, and humanly. Providing these basic needs and seeing the transition of learning, and a child experiencing happiness inspires me each day as an educator. As part of my position in the community I involve parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships, helping teachers incorporate literacy skills and build a love of reading in students of all backgrounds. I am a Member of the BCAMS which is the Broward County Association of Media Specialists and Member of FAME which is the Florida Association of Media in Education. I enjoy spending time with my family making memories.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

There are quite a few but Alexander Barkov who is the captain, exhibits a passion for the sport and a role model for our aspiring hockey players.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

I love the interactive aspect of the program. Students feel as if they are playing in a video game but are able to view videos and see the explanation of the concept in their understanding. In sports, science touches on medicine, nutrition, strength and conditions, performance analysis, and much more. Each aspect of STEM works in connection with each step encompassing all of science.

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

Not quite sure I could play hockey but maybe the “Winger”