- February 7, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Each week the Port Orange Observer will highlight a teacher nominated for the title of Volusia County School District's 2019 Teacher of the Year.
Cypress Creek Elementary School teacher Sofia Walker, who is currently a second grade teacher, was nominated for the honor. She has been teaching at Cypress Creek Elementary for seven years.
Volusia County public schools each selected a Teacher of the Year in order to vie for the title of Volusia County School District's 2019 Teacher of the Year. This year, 71 winners were chosen by their peers. The current Volusia County Teacher of the Year is Jason Kester, who teaches culinary arts at Mainland High.
The 2019 district Teacher of the Year winner will be announced on Friday, Jan. 12, and will be nominated for the state Teacher of the Year program.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
1. How do you feel to be nominated?
I feel honored and humbled to be nominated Teacher of The Year for Cypress Creek Elementary surrounded by so many amazing educators.
2. Why did you want to be a teacher?
My mother was a teacher for 20 years. She taught at a private school that I attended as well. I can remember cleaning her room, organizing papers, erasing the chalk boards and passing out morning work for her students at a young age. I remember the joy that teaching brought to her and I feel that I have that same joy and love for my students, teaching and my school as well.
3. What is the most challenging part of teaching?
The most challenging part of teaching is to accommodate the needs of each and every child within my classroom.
4. What is the most rewarding part of teaching?
My rewards come from the relationships that I build with each child and their families. Not only are these relationships built within the classroom, but I attend sporting events, dance recitals, communions, birthday parties, racing events and many other functions in an effort to strengthen my relationships with each child and their family.
5. If you could tell students one thing what would it be?
It is my hope that students will learn the benefits in teams to set goals, improve problem solving skills and realize the importance of respect for one's fellow man. I encourage my students to embrace the differences in their peers, personalities and points of view. It is important for all for us to be heard and equally as important to learn how to be a listener. I would tell my students to always do your best and to continue to reach for their goals no matter what obstacles they may face — the sky is the limit.
