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Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.
Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2022 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.
2022 Extraordinary Educator: Lynn Swann
Lynn Swann started her teaching career at Shadybrook Elementary almost 28 years ago. Her love for the Shadybrook family keeps her coming back each year.
Dr. Kendrick Alston, the former principal of Shadybrook Elementary School, describes Mrs.Swann as “one of the hardest working teachers I have come across in my 15 years in education” with a classroom that is “engaging, inclusive, and student-centered.”
According to Dr.Alston, Mrs.Swann’s passion for Shadybrook is clearly evident in the numerous school-wide events she assists in the planning and execution of these events.
Mrs.Swann wants her parents and students to know “The past two years have been unlike any other in terms of learning for everyone involved. The way we taught and learned literally changed overnight. In trying to adapt and adjust to what became the new normal of online teaching/learning and being back in the classroom wearing a mask.”
She goes on to say “We as educators were sympathetic and empathetic to the challenges you faced as families trying to navigate the pandemic as well. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we move forward into a new shared space and awareness that teachers, students, and parents must face together. My hope is that the new dynamic will bring about even smarter students!“
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: I come from a family of educators and I wanted to continue the tradition. The motto of my college alma mater is: “Enter to Learn and Depart to Serve” I have always felt like that was my purpose.
Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?
A: I believe that early childhood education should be as fun as possible. One of my personal favorites is singing songs to help the children remember concepts. Now, if you ask some of my students (maybe most of my students?) they will probably tell you that I can’t sing.😊 I like to think it makes them even more comfortable with trying to learn that way because I am leading by example.
Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?
A: In any classroom situation, whether it be from an instructional or social standpoint, I always tell them “The Choice is Yours” I continually remind them, that you can make good choices and you can make bad choices; either way, it was you that made the choice. I try to hold my students accountable.
Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?
A: Hoping that I made a difference to someone in a positive way.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?
A: There are times that every educator asks themselves if they are truly making a difference; am I providing a true foundation for the future of these young children? The answer to that question for me became clear when one of my former students returned to not only invite me to his High School Graduation but also to the graduation ceremony for his master’s degree as well!
Q: Is there any other information you would like us to share with the community?
A: I am very honored to receive this award. This school year was extremely difficult for me, still trying to teach during a pandemic and making sure that I am giving my best to my children. I just want to say Thank You. It was the support of my friends and family who helped me along the way. I want to thank my principal for seeing the best part of me this year. It takes a village for adults too! 😊
Mrs.Swann is just one of High Point’s 2022 Extraordinary Educators. Tune in for the next few weeks to hear more stories and inspiring moments from our local teachers!
Thank you so much to Lynn Swann for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2022 Extraordinary Educator!
To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.
Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff
