- December 31, 2024
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Children don’t all learn in the same way, so for Ann Busse, it’s very important to provide differentiated instruction.
In fact, as an Exceptional Student Education support facilitation teacher at Pathways Elementary, Busse said her favorite thing about being an educator is teaching different strategies and providing accommodations that help students learn.
“I have a poster that says, ‘It’s OK not to know, but it’s not OK to not try.’” Busse said in a statement to the Observer. “There are going to be some areas you need extra help in and other areas you are going to be able to help others in. I always tell the students to come to groups with a good attitude and be ready to learn and have fun.”
Busse has been teaching in Volusia County at Pathways for six years. Prior to that, she taught in Palm Beach County for 19 years. She’s always been an ESE teacher. She also volunteers with Provision Packs, a local nonprofit that helps provide food to children in need.
When she was a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University, she took a class on varying exceptionalities and that led her to majoring in education. In her role as an ESE support facilitation teacher, she goes into classrooms and teaches small groups throughout the day. This year, she teaches reading and math small group interventions.
“You will always see me traveling throughout the school with my rolling cart filled with all my supplies for the day,” Busse said.
The nomination as Teacher of the Year came as a surprise. Busse said she was honored that her colleagues nominated her and that she feels blessed to work with such great teachers.
“It’s great to be recognized, but I really just love the kids and teaching,” Busse said. “Over my years of teaching, I have had so many teachers and instructional coaches pour into me and I’m very appreciative.”
Busse’s mother is an educator as well; she has been a professor at Stetson University for over 45 years. Busse said she’s amazed by her interactions with her students and colleagues.
“I grew up watching her give her time to others and it has influenced me greatly,” Busse said. “I try to find something positive in each student and make a connection. Students know when you care."
