Thank you, Teacher Ursula Thomas

Name – Ursula Thomas
Title – English Language Arts and Reading Resource Teacher (Special Education)

Number of years –

1 and 1/2 years and a classroom teacher and 10 years as a special education paraprofessional

Favorite quote or scripture –

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘” — Jeremiah 29:11.

Educational background –

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree, Lamar University

Bio – United States Army Veteran, Cormer Cosmetologist, and presently a classroom teacher (6-8th grade middle school)

What did you like best about teaching?

Building relationships with scholars, so that they trust me to help them in areas where they fall short.

Tell me about your teaching style.

My teaching style is a hybrid style and also it incorporates differentiated instruction.

What’s the biggest challenge today’s students face?

The biggest challenge the students that I teach today face today, is reading and writing at least two or more levels below their grade level.

How do you motivate students to learn?

Students are motivated by topics in which they can make a real world connection.

What inspires or motivates you?

I am motivated by the fact that I was a struggling reader in early childhood. The time that classroom interventionists spent with me, has meant a great deal to me. Once I was given the tools to be successful in reading, I never turned down an opportunity to read a book. I can read a book in a day, if it captures my interests.

What is your first memory from school?

My first memory from school is being in an elementary music class and the teacher Mrs. Green told us that she visited California. She told us that she appeared on the television show, The Price is Right. She asked each student to tune in on the day her episode aired. I never forgot that special episode or that teacher.