When Raven Spencer entered her classroom at Wingate Elementary to prepare for the school year ahead, she felt a sense of new beginnings. In her second year of teaching, she is more confident and excited than ever to welcome her second-graders on Monday, Aug. 26. Her classroom, still in the early stages of transformation, will soon be adorned with more colorful decorations and interactive learning stations, each carefully chosen to spark curiosity and creativity. For Spencer, setting it up is more than a physical task—it is about laying the foundation for a year filled with discovery, excitement and growth.
"I've always loved school and always wanted to be a teacher. I remember my teachers made me feel welcomed and nurtured. They created a community within the classroom. That's what I want to do for my students," she said.
As she carefully prepared her classroom, one element stood out more than any other: sunflowers.
For Spencer, sunflowers have always held a special place in her heart. Their bright, cheerful appearance and ability to thrive even in adverse conditions reflect the qualities she hopes to nurture in her students. So, it was only natural her love of these golden blooms would find their way into her classroom. They are not just an aesthetic choice; they represent growth, perseverance and optimism—values Spencer emphasizes daily.
Beyond the decor, Spencer incorporates the symbolism of sunflowers into her teaching. She often uses them as a metaphor during lessons, encouraging students to "stand tall like a sunflower" or "follow the light, no matter how dim it may seem." This unique approach resonates with her students, helping them connect on a deeper level with the material and each other.
"One of my fondest memories from last year was seeing my students take on the personality of a sunflower. While we were reading The Bad Seed together, one student instantly connected with the story when she saw the seed as a sunflower," said Spencer. "At that moment, I realized they understood that sense of belonging I wanted to create. It made me reflect on how hard they had worked all year."
Spencer knows that her second-graders will one day be seniors in high school, and she wants to give them the tools they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom. She is committed to helping them learn how to express themselves confidently so that by the time they reach 12th grade, they will be ready to thrive— academically and as strong, self-assured individuals.
"Last year, we incorporated the district's Portrait of a Graduate monthly, and that will continue because they are traits they will need," she said. "At this age, they also have big feelings, so I will keep working with them on communicating that because they have a voice. They only need to learn how to use it."
Spencer's dedication to her students truly shone through last year. Even though she was new to teaching, her hard work and innovative approach were recognized when she received the UCPS 2023-2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year award. Her commitment to creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment helped her students feel connected and valued, making a big difference in their learning experience.
Spencer was utterly surprised by her nomination, thanks to a well-planned scheme by her colleagues. After a Wednesday meeting, they arranged an emergency meeting for the next day and kept her occupied to ensure everyone could be present before she arrived. As she walked into the room and apologized for being late, she realized the emergency meeting was a surprise celebration for her, leaving her overjoyed and moved.
"My first thought was, 'Who did this?' as they presented me with sunflowers," she said with a laugh. "The best advice I ever received was to teach as if someone is always watching. It stuck with me. I teach with my heart anyway. To know someone thought enough of me to represent our school solidified that I belonged."
The support and advice Spencer received from her colleagues have been essential to her success. Their ongoing support provides her with a strong sense of community and teamwork. This backing has boosted her confidence and effectiveness as a teacher, allowing her to grow and excel.
"It truly is Team UCPS. The feeling I had when my name was called as the beginning teacher to represent the district is unforgettable," she said. "Being nominated was enough. Being in my classroom teaching my students was enough, so this was more than I could have imagined."
Spencer's goals for the upcoming school year are all about building a closer link between school and home. She plans to learn Spanish to better communicate with Spanish-speaking families. She has also created a website for her classroom to upload videos of some of the lessons.
"It's important to bridge the gap between how parents, including myself, learned and how children learn today," she said. "Instead of searching for the information elsewhere, parents can get the resource directly from their child’s teacher."
Spencer has always prioritized reading and comprehension in her teaching. She will continue focusing on these skills so her students can understand and engage with all subjects, build critical thinking skills and perform better academically.
"It's the building block for everything else," she said.
As Spencer reflected on her journey, she offered advice to other beginning teachers, sharing her words of encouragement.
"Don't be hard on yourself; instead, soak in as much as you can," she said. "Enjoy those precious moments with your students and the staff. Do whatever you need to do to be the best teacher you can be, knowing that it looks different for everyone. And that's okay."
08/19/2024
