FISK — Denise Lewis has been teaching for 27 years; and she has taught “every grade level except ninth and 12th.” But, working as a third grade teacher for the Twin Rivers School District is where she feels she has had greater influence, so far. Her passion for educating children has made her an obvious choice among colleagues, parents, and students to be selected as teacher of the year.
“Third grade is such a great age group,” she explained. “That is the age at which they start reading to learn and understand.”
Lewis said she can clearly remember when she first felt inspired to teach.
“I was actually in fourth grade and I had the best teacher,” Lewis recalled. “She was so nurturing and I really looked up to her. Now that I’m grown, I still look up to her as being an amazing teacher.”
With her goal of becoming a teacher firmly set into place, she graduated from Twin Rivers High School in 1994 and enrolled in Three Rivers College. She then transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in December 1997. Five years later she would earn her master’s degree from William Woods University in educational administration.
“You really do have to have a passion to teach,” Lewis remarked. “This isn’t just a normal 9-5 job. It requires a lot and that’s why there is such a high burnout factor.”
Lewis’ peers seem to recognize the level of enthusiasm that she has for her profession.
“Mrs. Lewis is a teacher that many look up to, including myself. She is never afraid to take the lead, showing empathy when needed, and offering guidance to others,” said school-based social worker Amber Windhorst. “She is extremely knowledgeable as well as caring to those around her. She is always willing to go above and beyond for her students and their families. I’m thankful to work with someone like Mrs. Lewis.”
Likewise, her students echo sentiments of praise for her supportive attitude in the classroom.
“If it was something we didn’t understand, she slowed down and took extra time explaining it in a way we could understand,” said Ollivia Windhorst. “She was always fun and made school exciting.”
“I loved how Mrs. Lewis picked VIP every week. It made me feel important and I liked helping her for the week,” Raylee Barnett explained.
Lewis noted there are many challenges to be found in the teaching profession.
“I would say the biggest challenge is the mental/emotional drain; and finding balance between work and personal life,” she remarked. “In order to be effective as a teacher, you have to want to make a difference in your students from the heart.”
Though she has received the teacher of the year award for teaching third grade, Lewis has decided to move to the next phase of her profession.
“Now, I will be the curriculum director,” Lewis explained. “At this point in my career, this opportunity has come up and I really want to help develop other teachers and help them achieve their maximum potential as teachers.”