Byron Elementary School 's Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008 is Tonya K. Penson. Ms. Penson has taught nine years in the Peach County School System, all of which have been at Byron Elementary. She taught fourth grade for six years and is currently working on her fourth year as a first grade teacher.
Ms. Penson attended the public schools of Peach County . Upon graduation from Peach County High School , she furthered her educational studies at Fort Valley State College, now “The Fort Valley State University”, earning a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. In June 2005, she obtained her Specialist Degree in Curriculum/Instruction Management and Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale , Florida.
Ms. Penson has a daughter, Tiara who attends Byron Middle School . Ms. Penson is the daughter of Barbara Dennis and the late Leroy Dennis, Sr. of Fort Valley, Georgia . She has two siblings, Tamika Dennis and Leroy Dennis, Jr. |
Ms. Tonya Penson
|
Ms. Penson's hobbies include shopping, reading and watching T.V. She is an active member Fort Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she serves as the Correspondence Secretary. She is also a member of Peach Association of Educators chapter of Georgia Association of Educators. She is the assistant teacher of Zellners Chapel Intermediate Sunday School class and serves on the Fort Valley State University 's National Youth Sport Program Advisory Committee. In December 2005, Ms. Penson was selected as WMAZ's “My Teacher Is Tops”. She was nominated by a former student, Sydney Edgars.
As an educator, Ms. Penson believes that all children can learn. Children generally enter school ready to learn especially in the primary grades. They should be educated to the fullest extent of their abilities in the least restrictive environment that is conducive to learning. It is the responsibility of the teacher to motivate and enhance each student's desire to learn by the classroom environment that he or she creates. Instructional practices should be developmentally appropriate to enhance learning at all levels. It is also the responsibility of the teacher to create a learning environment that is rich in activities that stimulate the desire to take learning a step further. If the teacher realizes that the goals that she has set for her students are not being met, she must use a variety of instructional strategies so that students feel successful. As students learn then higher goals should be set. |
