Oak Ridge Teacher Named Outstanding Teacher

Metro Parent Magazine has named Oak Ridge Kindergarten Teacher Lois Mann one of five outstanding educators in metro Detroit. She is spotlighted in the May issue of the magazine, as well as the Big Book of Schools.

Oak Ridge Principal Jason Parrott says “She knows kindergarten students and how to speak to them at their level. She’s been teaching for so long that she knows the different personalities of the students and what works well for them. But she still approaches the job like it’s her first year.”

On keeping her approach fresh year after year, Mann explains, “I just believe that I’m learning always as much as the children when I teach. I want them to be lifelong learners, and part of that is to have fun while you’re learning.”

One example is her Reading Bath Tub to help children literally get into reading. Mann has an actual tub in her classroom filled with pillows where the students can invite a friend to sit and enjoy a good book together.  The tub has been in the classroom nearly as long as Mann – 33 years.

Teachers are nominated by parents, students or other teachers. The winners must exhibit extraordinary creativity in teaching, going above and beyond to motivate, challenge and instill love of learning.

In describing the program, Metro Parent stated: All of the submissions were a reminder that while the curriculum may change and budgets may rise and fall, in the end, it all comes down to the teachers. They are the linchpin in a child’s learning. Without them, the whole educational endeavor falls apart. And when they excel, the possibilities for their students are endless.

Source: Royal Oak Schools