“You never have the same day twice,” said Vicky Plumb, Hillview Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Plumb has worked in the Neelyville school district for nine years. Eight of those years were spent teaching kindergarten students.
“They always have the best things to say,” Plumb said of her young students.
Plumb resides in Doniphan with her 5-year-old son. Along with teaching, she participates in the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and is a member of the Green Forest Church of Christ.
After earning her bachelor’s degree from Hannibal La Grange, Plumb went on to receive her master’s degree from Arkansas University in 2017.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher as far back as I can remember. Each year in my classroom, I am reminded of why I love doing what I do,” said Plumb.
When asked what her favorite activity to do with students was, Plumb said, “The ones I feel are the most impactful and help the students learn the most are the hands-on, interactive lessons we try to incorporate throughout the day. Kids, especially the younger ones, learn so much more through doing rather than just simply hearing. I try to always include a craft or fine motor activity into all subject areas that allow students the opportunity to remember a skill based on an activity we participated in that matches our skill.”
One of the best feelings, according to Plumb, is when she sees her students grow and succeed.
Plumb enjoys motivating and encouraging her students in her role as an educator.
“From the very beginning of the school year, I work to build relationships with each of my students,” she said. “Those relationships allow me to understand how each student is best motivated and how to get them excited about what they are learning and the success they will have along the way.”
She said it’s important to offer praise to help build up students.
“When we master a skill, we like to have the class cheer for each other and let each student have their moment to shine,” she said. “When your students know you genuinely love and care about their success, they will be motivated to do their best each day and develop a love for learning.”
Teacher of the Year is a continuing series featuring top educators from Butler County school districts.