JOANNA MCBRIDE
“Children are
motivated when they’re
engaged. So
fi nd a way to
hook them
in by using
what you
know about
them and
their personal
interests.” FOURTH-GRADE
TEACHER AT BRITISH
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
WASHINGTON IN
WASHINGTON, D.C.

NOMINATED BY:
KATIE BENSON.

“Joanna is a passionate
teacher who deeply
cares about each child
in her class. She treats all
children as individuals,
diligently supporting
and challenging them
in their unique learning
journey. Joanna fosters
very strong relationships
with her class, modeling
respect, cooperation
and effective
communication. What originally got you
interested in teaching?
For as long as I can
remember, I have wanted
to be a teacher.

Why do you think
teachers are important?
Heading into this new
school year, what are you
most excited for?
Teachers spend so much
time with their students.

Therefore, they can make
a huge impact on their
development — in both
their learning and as
young people.

New colleagues, new
students and new
opportunities. Do you have any tried
and trusted ideas or
activities for motivating
students? What is the single best
piece of advice you can
give parents of fourth-
graders? Help your children develop
a variety of interests by
giving them access to a
wide range of activities.

What’s your funniest
teaching moment?
As a teacher of 9- and
10-year-olds, every day is
fun, funny and different.

TEACHERS OF THE
YEAR Children are motivated
when they are engaged.

So fi nd a way to hook
them in by using what
you know about them and
their personal interests.

How can parents and
teachers work together
to empower and engage
children? Teachers and parents
need to communicate.

We use an app called
Seesaw, which has been
transformational for
parental involvement in
learning in our school.

What is the best thing
about teaching in your
area or school district?
What are three things
you use in your
classroom every day and
could never live without?
At the British International
School of Washington, we
are so lucky to have such
an internationally diverse
student body. We learn so
much from each other’s
contrasting experiences
every day.

This changes so often.

Right now: iPads, super
sticky Post-It notes and
hand sanitizer!
Finish this sentence: If I
weren’t teaching,
I’d be …
“Using her gentle
sense of humor, she
empowers children
to become curious,
independent thinkers
and resilient learners.

Joanna is innovative
in her approach, and
is determined to
prepare her students
for the rigors of the
21st century. So she
incorporates technology
into her lessons in a
purposeful way. Joanna
knows how crucial
parental involvement
is for student success,
and she involves
them continually by
celebrating successes
and identifying areas
that parents can help
support at home.

Beyond the classroom,
“Joanna supports
the professional
development of
colleagues, sharing her
expertise in technology
and STEAM learning.”
incomplete. washingtonFAMILY.com
September 2018
13