[title subtitle=”WORDS Sara Putman and Melissa Wilson
IMAGE courtesy Melissa Wilson”][/title]
Do South® has joined forces with Bookish, our area’s only independent bookstore, in an effort to shine the spotlight on deserving teachers in our community! Local teachers complete the form and wish list online and then books from their wish list can be purchased from Bookish at a twenty percent discount by anyone wanting to show their support! Each month, we will feature a local teacher doing great things for area children. This month, we are proud to introduce you to Melissa Wilson, a teacher at Ballman Elementary, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. To all teachers, we love you and thank you for all you do!
DS: Tell us about your teaching journey. How long have you been a teacher? Where have you taught? What grades and subjects do you teach?
This is my thirteenth year to teach at Ballman Elementary in Fort Smith. I taught kindergarten for six years and then switched to teaching first grade. This is my seventh year to teach first grade.
DS: What do you like most about being a teacher?
I enjoy seeing the light bulb turn on and the excitement students feel when learning information. One of my favorite moments is when I receive a loving note that a student wrote all by themselves, especially when that student entered my classroom unable to even write their own name.
DS: What is your biggest concern about the 2020 school year?
All of the unknowns due to the pandemic. I want to be in class with my learners, but I also want all of us to stay safe and healthy. Trying to utilize more technology while still using written assignments is a challenge. Effectively teaching young learners while staying socially distanced from them is impossible.
Ms. Wilson’s Wish List
I teach first grade so any picture books or I Can Read Level 1 or 2 books would be greatly appreciated! I believe the following books would also be a great addition to our classroom:
The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow
I Promise by LeBron James
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander
Teachers, we encourage you to complete the short form and add your wish list! Simply visit, www.forms.gle/FSgR89N6RzvqWFJ59. You can also find the link at: Bookishfs.com, on their Facebook page, and at DoSouthMagazine.com.
