Gray named ACTE Teacher of the Year
from the Wentzville School District
July 29, 2009
Wentzville School District
The Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has selected Charlotte Gray, a teacher at Holt High School, as the 2009 ACTE Teacher of the Year. Charlotte’s style of teaching, as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in the Wentzville School District, could best be described as a ‘facilitator of learning.’
Topics are explored through projects and hands-on experiences. Her goal is to have students understand the importance of being able to find information and, once found, know how to use it. She is continually encouraging students to build on their strengths and be willing to learn from their mistakes as their knowledge grows. Students in her classroom are given numerous opportunities to “teach,” whether in group work, discussions in class, or sharing knowledge they have gained. Her classroom provides an environment where students can share life experiences, as well as feel safe and secure. She encourages her students to have an open mind, be patient, and listen to others.
“I am honored that my peers chose me for this award,” said Charlotte. “I received a letter in the mail and had to read it several times to believe what it said…I was very surprised and excited! Then a second letter came, informing me that I had been selected as one of the six National finalists. So at this time, I am preparing to go back to school and also preparing to represent the Wentzville School District and Missouri at the National ACTE Conference.”
Charlotte has taught courses at both the high school and middle school level, including foods, child development, clothing and fashion, housing and interior design, and a comprehensive family and consumer sciences course. The courses are career focused and she continually encourages students to explore a variety of careers in those areas through projects, guest speakers, and field trips. As one of her fellow faculty members put it,
“Because of Charlotte’s inspiration and guidance, many of her former students have gone on to be successful members of society and true leaders of their field.”
What a difference one teacher can make in the life of a student. Congratulations, Charlotte!
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
