"The Best and the Brightest"

All North Carolina Teaching Fellows have always been referred to as the "best and the brightest," so I remain extremely humbled to have become part of this group my senior year in high school. This scholarship was created in 1986 to help our state recruit prospective teachers who would make a valuable difference in the public education system. In the last 23 years, the program has significantly expanded along with assisting with the teacher shortage within the last decade. The NC General Assembly has been generous with budgeting this program by providing 500 students with $24,000 scholarships to various universities and colleges in the state. After graduation, these students must teach in North Carolina four years to "pay back" the scholarship.

I am extremely passionate about this program because it not only prepared me to become a successful teacher, but it continues to enhance my professional endeavors. In our county, I make a conscientious effort to inform students from both high schools of this prestigious scholarship and provide assistance for the strenuous process which starts in October with applications. The following month, the students are interviewed at the local county level, and I was fortunate to serve on this interview committee. I was impressed with Montgomery County's high school seniors who want to pursue a career in education. They shared the reasons they wanted to teach, with the most popular answer being inspired by their own former teachers. As an interview team, we had to "score" the students based on GPA, SAT, community/school involvement, and the overall interview process. The composite scores are then sent to the Teaching Fellows Commission in Raleigh to make the final decision for regional finalists. It is an achievement to make to the regional level, and Montgomery County was represented well by two candidates from West Montgomery High School.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to serve on the Regional Screening Committee for District 5, which was held at UNC-Greensboro. I was grateful to have had the privilege to network with other influential educators including teachers, administrators, and school board members. There were many Teaching Fellows Alumni among this group, which proves how many of us are proud of this program. It was also a delight to see the executive director, Jo Ann Norris, who ensured the day went smoothly. She has been in this role throughout the entire program's existence.

The morning was spent debriefing about the interview process and expectations with each regional finalist. Each committee was made up of 3-4 members that would interview five to six students. I worked with two phenomenal educators on my committee including an assistant principal from Alamance-Burlington Schools and the chairman of the school board in Davidson County. Therefore, we were a "well-rounded" committee by making sure the candidates felt comfortable (even though most of them were extremely nervous). Each candidate left me shocked that they were so aware of educational issues and were already so passionate about teaching. It was rewarding to hear these young people who were determined to make a difference in a child's life by impacting the world in a classroom. I am sure this experience was refreshing for all of us "on the other side" because these young adults reminded us why we teach---the students!
These interviews made me reflect on my own Teaching Fellows memories at Appalachian State University. I will forever be indebted to the Teaching Fellows program for its enrichment opportunities (traveling across the state touring schools, visiting inner city school systems in Washington, D.C., and internships at local schools). My lifelong friends, who I keep in contact regularly, are Teaching Fellows. I am also proud of my former intern who followed in my footsteps as a NC Teaching Fellows at Appalachian State University.


The Regional Screening process made me realize North Carolina will be fortunate when these five hundred, the "best and the brightest" future teachers enter our classrooms.

Technology changes everything

The time has come that our society depends on the use of technology to function quickly and effectively. The next generation of children will never know life without a computer and their technological skills continue to be enhanced by the changing information age. Therefore, it is our job as educators to implement technology within the curriculum on a daily basis. Change is inevitable in the education system due to the constant advancements of technology. I am an advocate for technology as it expands students' thinking and better prepare them for the future. Our challenge as educators is to stay "caught up" with the kids....also known as technology natives.

I reflect back to my own educational journey using technology as a student...

Attending a K-8 rural school, we were fortunate to have two computer labs composed of the Apple Computers. The popular games consisted of the Oregon Trail and Number Munchers. We were excited when the green monitors eventually became outdated when the color arrived. I will never forget an exciting Christmas morning when Santa had brought a new Apple computer along with numerous floppy disks (the real floppy disks, not the 3 1/2 x 5 inch).

Image taken from solarnavigator.net

During middle school, I remained at the same K-8 school and it was amazing how much the expectations regarding technology had changed. We purchased new IBM PC's and the graphics were very detailed. All of us were enthralled by the new and improved Oregon Trail. We attended computer lab class at least once a week and North Carolina implemented the required computer test of eighth graders the year I left for high school (relieved at the time). Upon entering high school, I took the basic typing classes along with computer application courses, I am still grateful for that particular training because it helped me with many assignments in college. During this time, my aunt was the first one in Highfalls to understand and have access to the World Wide Web, so I spent hours at her house beginning my first experience with chatting and surfing the net. She still remains to be a "computer geek" and I am indebted to her for providing me a love of technology. It is ironic how different she and my dad are regarding technology (that is another story).

Of course after graduating high school in 1999, Y2K was about to occur and there was a panic in society since the computers were not programmed for the new millennium. Well, the end of the world didn't happen when 01/01/00 approached. As a future teacher at Appalachian State University, I became extremely appreciative of online lesson plans and the convenience of finding research articles in my dorm room instead of walking in the bitter cold to the library. My friends and I also loved the new AOL Instant Messenger, which allowed us to communicate via Internet and typing. This was basically the myspace or facebook for us during that time. We used instant messaging to talk with friends across the state or just roommates next door. No, we didn't have texting then...The Reich College of Education required all education majors to complete a technology portfolio before graduating, so I took a class to ensure this was completed in a timely manner. It also prepared me for beneficial technology needs in my future classroom.

Technology was important in my classroom, and my career aspirations included integrating technology in all subject areas. I walked into various classrooms that had new interactive smartboards, and I wanted one ASAP! After talking with the technology director of Montgomery County Schools, she provided me with a smartboard and projector (which was quickly mounted in my classroom). I created innovative lessons using this piece of technology to enhance my instruction. As always, technology can be consider a friend and foe, and there were many instances that the smartboard experienced "technical difficulties." After four years of remaining on the same hall, I had to switch to fifth grade and was not allowed to take the smartboard with me. I have felt lost without it, especially since our K-3 teachers recently receive Promethean Boards in each of his/her classrooms. Mrs. Binns remains generous by allowing us to use her board at anytime!

I think the most obvious sign of technology changing everything was watching my own father try to understand how to use his new smart board. Dad was one of the lucky two teachers to receive this interactive piece of technology, and he was terrified how to make the transition from a chalkboard (yes, a green chalkboard) to a computer device that would do everything for him. Will, who teaches history at Asheboro High School, uses his smart board daily so he became dad's tutor one Sunday afternoon. Will showed Dad how to put the Periodic Table on the smart board where students could circle the elements and even fill in the blanks. Even though Dad teaches all content from his head, Dad could start saving his challenging questions for each of his classes. Following the brief lesson, I could tell by looking at my father's face he was a little overwhelmed, but remained excited about this new presentation of information. I told Will to slow down since my dad just now mastered checking his email....


This example exemplifies how our veteran teachers are taking the challenge of meeting the needs of a completely different generation of children than 30 years ago. I admire each of these educators who are working diligently to "stay caught up with technology" as it continues to change everyday. The students will continue to teach us about the current trends of the changing information age.

Our communication has changed from technology as the students are creating facebook pages to simply network with one another. There have been many debates about these networking tools, but we must realize this is the new way to communicate. I was completely shocked when my students have discussed their own myspace pages! I just reminded them to be safe on the Internet and only choose "friends" they know and trust.

As time progresses, it is inevitable that teachers must stay updated with technological trends and issues. We will be required to attend extra staff development to ensure we are providing our students with effective 21st century skills. Education has changed significantly within the last few year regarding taking college online classes and high school students are already receiving credit before even stepping foot on a college campus.

We have come a long way from the Oregon Trail....

"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels." ~Unknown

Hannah Maria Seawell
February 6, 1981-February 24, 1999

February 6th---the date that continues to stay engraved in my mind and heart forever. Hannah would have been 28 years old today. Sometimes I wonder where one of my best friends would be if she had survived her tragic car accident during our senior year in high school. She probably would have been the main organizer of our 10-year class reunion that is quickly approaching this summer. She would have attended college at UNC-Wilimington because she always loved the beach. Hannah and I were always thought to look alike, except she had the beautiful brown eyes, dark skin, and extremely energetic personality. She was also much louder since she was captain of the cheerleading squad while I played on the basketball court. Each year for Homecoming Spirit Week, we would dress up in the same outfit for "twin day." We even had the same tennis shoes! We also loved to wear the color orange.


We had bought our prom dresses the same week she ran the stop sign. I wanted the royal blue satin dress, but since she also wanted it, she discovered an elegant silver dress for me that still makes me think of Cinderella when I see pictures. Her blue dress was still hanging in the truck when the wreck occurred. Hannah parked beside me at school, and it was obvious when I was running late when we arrived at school during the same time. Hannah was the first person who invited me on a double date and we ended up falling asleep waiting on the boys to finish baseball practice. Hannah was constantly observing others, which I constantly reminded her that staring someone up and down was not polite. She quickly informed me that you can tell a lot about a person just by watching them...she is right as I become the "observer" in shopping malls, parks, and now even at school.

Each time I hear the name Hannah a smile spreads across my face because that is what Hannah did everyday when was here on earth---SMILE! She touched so many lives and every member of our graduating class still remembers the dreadful afternoon of February 24, 1999. Our lunch table remained quiet and dull the weeks following Hannah's death, but it made all of us realize at an early age the value of life. It made the procrastinators turn in their final college applications, it made the gossip queens stop spreading the rumor, and it made the senior class grateful for the future that lied ahead. We mourned for months, even the night we graduated, there was a spot for Hannah. However, we knew that Hannah would want us to continue to live life happily!
Ironically, my first year at ASU, I met one of my closest friends who lived right beside me on the hall. She was Morgan from Morganton and she would have passed for Hannah's twin. She even had the same personality of Hannah, including the staring. I know it was meant for me to meet Morgan to continue with the healing process of losing Hannah.

Hannah taught me one of life's greatest lessons, which was to do what makes you happy, no matter what other people think. Just remember to love yourself and pursue your dreams!

When I heard about the tragic loss of East Montgomery's students during the Christmas holiday, my heart ached for those students and her family. Sometimes we wonder why this happens, but I truly believe it makes all of us analyze our own lives to become better people. We carry those loved ones with us forever and they are never really gone from this earth.

100th Day

It is hard to believe we celebrated the 100th day of school today, 80 more to go! It made me realize to value the remaining days with my wonderful class as they continue to become "middle schoolers." Summer will be here before we know it...as the countdown beings I am already missing them.

September 2007
Mrs. Muse is 26!

September 2008
Mrs. Muse is 27!

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Ghandi

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something
~Author Unknown

We began our new reading theme this week entitled, "Person to Person". There was a powerful quote at the beginning of the unit that sparked discussions among our classmates about discovering strength in helping others. The students shared stories about their own experiences when he/she assisted someone, and a few students even told about a time they were helped by someone. The students emphasized that it is beneficial to help others when you can because we never know when we might need help ourselves. In other words, "put yourself in other people shoes"---I preach this motto since the first day of school!

Throughout the next few weeks, we will read stories that focus around relationships with others, focusing on volunteerism. These lessons came at the perfect time for our class. Even though most of society would question our young people's ability to express empathy and desire to help others, individuals would have challenged this opinion with my fifth graders. I was amazed at the responses received when we brainstormed ways to make a difference in our community, county, state, nation, and world. After creating a circle map entitled volunteerism, our inside circle was filled with interesting ideas of making an impact on the world: volunteer firefighters, soup kitchens, tutoring a classmate in math, Red Cross, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, food pantry...the list goes on and on!

We decided as a class we wanted to start projects as soon as possible within our community. Page Street is actively involved with Relay for Life trying to find a cure for cancer, and we have already exceeded our goal from last year (over raising $15,000)! I wanted the students to become more familiar with another charitable organization that has a direct influence on our families in Montgomery County when a disaster occurs, which is the American Red Cross. I didn't realize how influential this organization was until representatives came to speak with our staff last year regarding the numerous fires some of our students' families had encountered. These ladies shared that the Red Cross provides the families instant shelter, food, and clothing to ensure they are cared for during the most difficult part of the disaster. At that moment, I wanted to become more informed AND involved with the Red Cross. Marlene Dunn, the director of the Montgomery County Chapter of the Red Cross, came to speak with our class about the possibilities for students to assist with this organization. Ms. Dunn shared the history of the Red Cross and what the organization has done in the nation and world. She concluded by telling us the importance of the Red Cross here in Montgomery County. The students were eager to sign up for every project! We decided to help make kids packages and fleece blankets for children who had lost everything in a fire. They also wanted to take part in the Red Cross month (March) by selling the red crosses for $1. Montgomery County used $14,000 last year in assistance, and their goal this year is to receive $15,000. The kids even told me they would give blood, even though they were not old enough yet.


After the decision to help with the Red Cross, the students were anxious to find other opportunities to make a difference. It makes my heart proud when I see ten and eleven year olds wanting to volunteer! Therefore, I have been busy trying to plan these experiences. We are starting this month by going to the food pantry February 14th and 28th from 8:00-10:00am at First Baptist Church.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

Right or Wrong?

We recently read Langston Hughes' short story, Thank You Ma'm, which emphasizes numerous literary elements and influential themes throughout the text. The story starts when a young African American boy attempts to steal a pocketbook from an elderly lady late at night. Instead of reporting him to the police, Mrs. Jones takes Roger to her house because she realizes he is roaming the streets for a reason. He tells her that he at home alone and hungry. She demands to know why he tried to steal her purse and he admits he wanted money to buy new blue suede shoes. Mrs. Jones told him that all he had to to do was ask instead of trying to steal.

After reading this short story, it sparked many interesting discussion among our class members regarding right and wrong. I posed the question if a child was caught stealing candy, how would one deal with teaching that child he/she was wrong? Should the child be punished? Would you tell the child you never did that when you were his/her age? There were varied responses to this question simply for the fact we were all taught differently. Of course the students shared their own stories of how their parents taught them right from wrong. Some learned the best from the old fashioned "whippings", having toys or games taken away, time-out, or the look of disappointment from parents was enough to work. The students even told me that my "sermons" provided meaningful lessons.

That afternoon I reflected back to my own way of learning values. I definitely became more appreciative of my parents for instilling strong morals within my life at a young age. I have always claimed my sister and I had the perfect childhood because of our parents' disciplinarian techniques. They led by example by doing what was right and our dinner conversations every night proved to be a lesson learned. We never missed an evening of eating together...no television, no phone calls, just the four of us. My parents always seemed to know what type of disciplinary action to take and there were times we deserved punishment. For example, when we left crayons in the brand new car during 100 degree weather. We had created a rainbow of colors after the sun had melted the entire box. Let's just say we knew to always take our crayons inside during the summer heat after that incident. We laugh telling those stories now...I can honestly say we were not punished often because the disappointment on mom and dad's faces was usually enough for us to correct our mistakes immediately.

Thanks to Langston Hughes' story it made us all question how we still know the difference between right from wrong. As an educator, how do I teach my students to make the right decisions that may affect them forever? As my friends are now becoming new parents, I wish them luck teaching their own children this important life skill. I admire ALL parents for taking on this tremendous responsibility. I am forever indebted to my own parents and even now as an adult, I make sure to not see that disappointed look on my daddy's face.

Cindi Rigsbee makes the news AGAIN!

Exactly a year ago, Cindi Rigsbee was just a name and face on the DPI website. To me, she was just the Piedmont Regional Teacher of the Year from Orange County who was my "competition" for the NC Teacher of the Year. After all nine regional finalists had been announced, Cindi was the first one to send an email to all her "new BFF's." At that moment, I knew she was a natural leader and one who just loved people. That email was the beginning of a strong friendship among nine exceptional educators from the coast to the mountains. We share our backgrounds and interests while expressing our disbelief of making it this far in the Teacher of the Year process. Cindi is the one I credit for creating this instant bond...Judging from Cindi's personality, I knew that she and I would click immediately. I was right. Plus, some of her family roots were in northern Moore County and her father is actually laid to rest in the Robbins Cemetery.

In February we came together for the first time as a team to work for the Teacher Working Conditions Survey. It was great to finally put the names and faces with personalities. These individuals were no longer strangers and I was humbled to be part of this group. During this meeting, Cindi asked inquisitive questions throughout the entire meeting regarding the important survey given to teachers across the state. This confirmed the fact she was updated with current educational trends and didn't mind sharing her teacher voice. My gut feeling already told me she deserved the state teacher of the year recognition.

The next couple of months I was able to keep in contact with Cindi (along with various team members) regularly. I even called to ask if her daughter, Kelli, would speak with one of my students about her cheerleading experiences with the Carolina Panthers TopCats. Uniqua's story revolved around cheering for the Panthers, so Kelli's phone call changed her life (and writing) forever. I am indebted to Cindi and Kelli for this favor.
Well the end of April arrived quickly and the state competition was here! I arrived nervously at the hotel in Raleigh to prepare for three days of extensive interviews and speeches. Cindi was the last one to interview on Day #2, and she claimed to be nervous. I am sure after TAP dancing (Teachers Are Professionals) and sharing her stories in her beautiful white suit, there is no doubt she amazed every judge in the room.

It was no surprise to me when Cindi Rigsbee's name was announced by Dr. Atkinson as our new NC Teacher of the Year. Dressed in red, she stood out among the crowd, and made a speech that made everyone smile and cry, but mostly laugh. I didn't leave the ballroom upset at all that evening because I knew she would represent all North Carolina teachers well. I remained excited about learning from her and the other phenomenal teachers on my team.

The one thing I can always say about Cindi is she never ceases to amaze me with her adventures and luck! Since September she has been on Good Morning America after discovering her long lost teacher from 40 years ago, she has traveled from Manteo to Murphy speaking to teachers, community members, and college studetns, and now she is one of the four finalists for National Teacher of the Year.



When she called me yesterday morning to tell me the great news, I wasn't a bit surprised. Even though I was extremely sick from all the germs spreading around my school (and antibiotics from the doctor), I made the trek to Orange County in Efland at Gravellly Hill Middle School just to give the famous teacher a congratulations hug. She is not only my colleague, role model, and traveling clogging buddy, she remains my BFF...



So now google "Cindi Rigsbee" and see what appears...an educator who has excelled in our profession and who has dedicated her life to children. No longer just a face and name on the DPI website, but an inspiration to all teachers. I can already predict Cindi's influence and luck will not end here...Barack Obama will be honored that day to shake the hand of the lady in red as she will make our country proud of public education.