Data Chats-March Edition

"I have a wonderful husband, Jeff Taylor, and 6 beautiful children...3 girls and 3 boys. Our oldest 2 girls are twins and grown. Our youngest daughter will be graduating from Texas A&M College Station in May with a bachelor's in Biology and plans to continue on to be a doctor. Our oldest son is a Freshman at the University of Texas at Tyler. Our youngest 2 boys are a Freshman and a 6th grader here at Quitman ISD."

Shanna attended college at Tyler Junior College, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Texas at Tyler, and graduated from Stephen F Austin State University. She has been working for Quitman ISD for 10 years, has been a teacher for 7 years, but has been in education for 16 years. She currently teaches 2nd grade, but has also taught 4th grade reading, and PreK. Shanna also worked at a private PreK at United Methodist Church here in Quitman.

"I have a daughter Addison in 2nd grade here at Quitman as well as two stepsons Dylan (28) and Jack (18). I have been married almost 10 years to my husband, Adam, who also works for the school district."

Kelly attended college at Brandman University , and has been a teacher for 4 years, with 2 of those being in Quitman. However, Kelly has worked in education for 12 years. Before teaching in public school she was a Preschool teacher for 8 years. She has also taught at Indian Valley Elementary in California, and has previously taught 4th and 5th grades.

"My granddaughter, Atlana Watkins, is living with me and is in her freshmen year in high school. Though I'm originally from Austin, my father was born and raised in Winnsboro, and my mother was raised in Cooper. I moved to East Texas in 2006 and love this area."

Janela attended Baylor University and UT Tyler. She has been a teacher for 5 years, with all of those being in Quitman. She was also an aide at the Wood County Co-Op before coming to Quitman Elementary.

"I have been married to my husband Daryl for 20 yrs. We have 5 grown children who are married and have given us a total of 13 grandkids. We spend our free time doing things with them. We attend Grace Family Church in Sulphur Springs and we enjoy our church family and activities."

Marty has been a teacher for 20 years, with the last 5 years being in Quitman. She attended college at Paris Jr. College, and A&M Commerce. She has also worked for Como-Pickton, Phoenix Charter School, and Cumby. She has previously taught Kindergarten, 1st-6th Reading, Reading Recovery, and has served as Dyslexia Specialist, 504 Coordinator, and STAAR Coordinator.

" I am married to my husband Cody. We have five sons; Lane who is in 10th grade, Ty who is in 7th grade, Colby who is in 4th grade, Paxton who is in Kindergarten, and Judah who is 4 months old. "

Stacy has been a teacher for 13 years, with the last 4 years teaching in Quitman. She attended college at Tyler Junior College, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Texas at Tyler. Stacy has also taught 6th grade, Pre-K, 3rd grade, and 1st grade, and has previously taught at Hubbard Middle School as well as Big Sandy Elementary.

"To me the most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of teaching is working so hard to help a student and seeing the light finally coming on and them grasp that understanding."--Mrs. Shanna Taylor

"I love watching my students finally succeed with something they've been struggling with and have their own sense of accomplishment. I take pride sharing their triumphs and achievements."--Mrs. Kelly Chrismer

"I love seeing my students faces when they realize "I've got it !" When I hear a student tell me "I can't read," then a few months later they are reading. These are the things that keep me going."--Mrs. Marty Watkins

"The change in students as a result of their learning. There is nothing more rewarding than to see the impact you can make on a student who goes from struggling with a subject to having confidence with it."--Ms. Janela Gibson

"The most fulfilling is laughing with the children!"--Mrs. Stacy Francisco

"One example of how 2nd uses data to drive instruction is by looking at our maze scores. This is a computerized test that gives the students questions on their level to answer and scores them based on their understanding and ability to complete. This score is used to see where their weaknesses are and where we need to supplement instruction in small group to help fill the gaps they have in ELAR."--Mrs. Shanna Taylor

"Reflecting on and analyzing student growth through data is an ongoing practice in my classroom. For each lesson/subject I choose a couple of concepts that I want to monitor and I gather data through observations, writing samples, discussions, exit tickets, etc., throughout the unit. Utilizing data in this way is a great tool to assess whether or not my students are meeting their learning goals and what their strengths and weaknesses are."--Mrs. Kelly Chrismer

"We share data with each other, getting input from each other on where should I go from here. As individuals we know our class and can make decisions for them based on data. However we have all ran across a situation that you are stumped, feeling as if I've done all I know to do, it's so nice to be able to turn to your team for advice."--Mrs. Marty Watkins

"I use all different types of data to monitor, analyze, and adjust, as needed, my lesson plans for a particular day or week. Such as data from the computerized testing, class exams, and informal assessing that is done daily to determine if a student duplicates new concepts being taught. It is vital and I don’t see how a teacher can effectively teach without using data as a tool in the classroom."--Ms. Janela Gibson

"We look at data weekly to regroup and reteach our students." --Mrs. Stacy Francisco

"I think our ability to be able to go to other teammates and bounce ideas off of each other, use our data to drive instruction and make changes, and just our general respect that at the end of the day sometimes we just have to agree to disagree helps make us who we are."--Mrs. Shanna Taylor

"My team has a common vision to increase student achievement, and we focus on learning as a key value. We are professionals that each bring a different skill set to the table. We can have healthy conversations, that even include disagreement from time to time, but always revolves around what's best for our students. Our respect for each other makes it really easy to speak candidly about our triumphs and failures in the classroom. We are better able to support our student's needs and learning goals when we feel the support ourselves."--Mrs. Kelly Chrismer

"We are all individuals who respect each other. We are comfortable enough with our team to admit our shortcomings and know that we will get encouragement, not torn down. We talk things out and agree to disagree when necessary. We support each other and focus on building each other up in our profession as well as our personal lives."--Mrs. Marty Watkins

"I consider the main factor that contributes to our PLCs is that each of us strive to have an impact on every student and their educational development. Our meetings include productive conservations on situations in the classroom and ideas on how to handle those situations. There is a lot of high energy and input from each member of this team that make it a fabulous group to work with."--Ms. Janela Gibson

"The way we mesh." --Mrs. Stacy Francisco

"I can't say enough about my team, they are all exceptional ladies. I have worked in other districts and I can honestly say these past 5 years have been my best.

Who would you like to see in the next spotlight?

If you would like to nominate someone for the next spotlight, please send an email to coatsm@quitmanisd.net.

Please include in the email why they should be in the spotlight!

Amazing things are happening at QISD!