Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Mildred Chandler, a first grade teacher at Soddy Daisy Elementary. Although Mrs. Chandler has been teaching for 41 years, she has adapted quickly to the new world of virtual learning.
“Mrs. Mildred Chandler has thoroughly impressed her team,” said Sarah Leesburg, one of Mrs. Chandler’s colleagues. “As the most ‘seasoned’ first-grade teacher, she wouldn't be expected to be as tech-savvy as others, and yet here she is teaching the virtual class. But not just that. When any other first graders have to be out for extended periods, she willingly takes them on, adding them to her class, sometimes the very day of, no questions asked. These students aren't missing any instructional days because of Mrs. Chandler. AND...she does it all with a smile!”
After 41 years of teaching students in a classroom, Mrs. Chandler has never been fond of working on a computer. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mrs. Chandler was faced with a difficult decision because of her husband’s health situation. She chose to take on a new challenge and teach HCS at Home students.
“I began the year very slowly with my online students and have gradually become more comfortable with the computer and the various ways the computer can be utilized for instruction,” said Mrs. Chandler. “I try to incorporate one new or different strategy to my instruction weekly. I have found, to my amazement, that I am now enjoying teaching through the use of technology.”
Mrs. Chandler adds, “I feel that my students are definitely making progress with their skills and that we have learned together how to make the best of the technology we use daily. Students have learned the daily routines, just like in an in-person class. They have been able to partner talk, work in small groups and share their thinking through the use of Breakout Rooms. I have students who enjoy hanging out after class just to visit with their friends in a Breakout Room.”
The efforts of our teachers and staff are truly heroic, and we are proud to have people like Mrs. Chandler on our team to support our students!
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