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    Teacher of the year uses initiative, technology-fueled lessons

    Teacher of the year uses initiative, technology-fueled lessons

    Photo By Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera | Maryellen Tissandier, a 4th grade teacher at the Tarawa Terrace Elementary School,...... read more read more

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

    03.19.2014

    Story by Lance Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera  

    Marine Corps Installations East       

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- In Maryellen Tissandier’s 4th grade classroom learning takes a different approach from the chalkboard and textbook standard of years past.

    Her teaching is supplemented by a wide variety of tools, along with Tissander’s strong drive and innovative style, which contributed to Tissandier being recognized as Camp Lejeune’s 2013 Teacher of the Year last month.

    Tissandier uses technology to show different aspects of the subjects she covers. By presenting the curriculum in interactive ways, the students gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

    “I always try to integrate technology,” said Tissandier. “Technology takes a child outside of the classroom.”

    Students can explore the world through interactive, technology-fueled lessons. Using a smart board, students see and participate in presentations detailing different clouds for a science lesson, or experience for themselves what the United States is like for a lesson on regions.

    The smart board also allows Tissandier to get a real time response to any difficulties a student may have. Students can answer questions using a smart responder, if they are struggling, Tissandier can help immediately.

    “Technology is the learning format of most of our kids,” said Jennifer Steimel, the assistant principal of Tarawa Terrace Elementary School. “It’s important to not only be aware of it, but to do everything you can to implement it so students can use those tools for learning.”

    However, technology is only one of the many instruments a teacher needs to reach students and is not a replacement for quality instruction, Steimel added.

    “(Tissandier) knows how to use the technology to meet the needs of the kids,” said Steimel. “She’s very good at using that particular tool in the toolbox.”

    Tissandier has taught at Camp Lejeune schools for four years, primarily at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School. She is one of 312 teachers throughout seven schools aboard the base. During her tenure, she has not only focused on teaching, but also provided a helping hand to fellow teachers.

    “This is my first year here,” said Juanita James, a 5th grade teacher, who taught for nine years in Alabama before teaching at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School. “She was the person I could always ask questions to. She became my unofficial mentor.”

    Tissandier is a team player who is focused on helping all students and teachers succeed, James added. She was welcoming and helpful without being a know-it-all.

    James looked to her for ideas on how to organize her classroom when she was new to the school, as well as guidance on the technology available to teachers.

    “She is always willing to share her knowledge,” said James. “No matter who it is, she is willing to help.”

    Tissandier is familiar with the challenges her students and their families face; she is a military spouse whose husband is deployed and the mother of a two-year-old son.

    It was this connection that led her to choose to work with military children.

    “Sometimes our parents think we don’t understand what it’s like (in the military community),” said Steimel. “She knows what it’s like from every avenue. She understands what parents are going through. She understands what spouses are going through. She understands what the kids are going through. As the parent of a child with a deployed father, she has a bird’s-eye-view.”

    Tissandier’s ability to use technology to relate to her students’- learning needs and to support them through the unique challenges of the military community are only a few of the reasons she was awarded as Teacher of the Year.

    “I can see a lot of qualities in her that make her an excellent teacher,” said James. “Her students are always actively engaged and well-behaved. She genuinely loves what she does. It’s a calling for her.”

    Tissander will compete with teachers throughout all Department of Defense Education Activity schools for the opportunity to be recognized as 2014’s National Teacher of the Year.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.19.2014
    Date Posted: 03.19.2014 12:04
    Story ID: 122232
    Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US

    Web Views: 84
    Downloads: 1

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