Thank You, Ms. Deidre Nata!
This year our Teacher Honoree representing the New Jersey region is Ms. Deidre Nata, a 3rd-grade teacher at William B. Cruise Veterans Memorial School No. 11.
Ms. Nata knew her students needed a safe space to express themselves, feelings, and emotions. So, each morning, she took time to connect with her students, providing an opportunity for each child to share, whether verbally or with emoji. Her emphasis on the social and emotional well-being of students did not stop there. She also incorporated the Power of 3 into her instruction, helping build community and a positive classroom environment.
Going entirely virtual may have been intimidating for some, but not to Ms. Nata. She showcased her “can do” spirit and shared her expertise in the district’s remote learning platform. Ms. Nata facilitated training for her colleagues and was a resource to all who needed assistance. Her willingness to go the extra mile extended to her students as well, as she provided each student learning resources that they could use at home, and she even personally delivered these tools to each child’s home.
Ms. Nata is a shining example of what it means to be a teacher; a kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professional who helps to mold our children and guide them in positive directions. The dedication Ms. Nata showed throughout the year is inspirational, and we are delighted to feature her as one of our Teacher Honorees.
Join us on June 10 for our Raise a Glass for Reading fundraising event as we celebrate and thank Ms. Deidre Nata for her amazing work this year!
Jen Chen, a Coach in our New Jersey (Passaic) region, took some time to shine a spotlight on Ms. Deidre Nata. We asked Jen few questions about her teacher honoree. See what she shared:
Q: What did your teacher identify as her children’s needs during this pandemic?
A: During the pandemic, Ms. Nata was even more attuned to her children's needs. She recognized the importance of frequently checking-in with their social emotional well-being. To start each day during remote learning, she held a Morning Meeting in which she asked children to either: share their feelings - verbally or with emojis, share a special item or experience with classmates during Show and Tell, or had discussions about an SEL topic, such as building patience or working through challenges.
Ms. Nata also weaved the elements of the Power of 3 into her Morning Meetings and throughout the school day. By doing so, she helped build a strong sense of community as well as a safe space for children to learn and care for themselves and each other.
In addition to be attentive to their social-emotional needs, she also went above and beyond in supporting their academic needs in terms of supplying some learning materials. Back in December, Ms. Nata put together a gift package, which included a personal whiteboard, dry erase marker, and books using her own funds. Then, she personally delivered the packages to each child's home.
Ms. Nata provided each child in her class access to essential tools, as well as helpful strategies during this fully-remote school year.
Q: How has your teacher shown resilience during this school year?
A: Ms. Nata has shown a "can do" spirit despite whatever challenge came her way this school year. She problem-solved many challenges by tapping into her adept technology skills and creativity.
Q: How has your teacher cultivated community within his/her classroom?
A: Ms. Nata recognized the importance of frequently checking-in with their social emotional well-being. To start each day during remote learning, she held a Morning Meeting in which she asked children to either: share their feelings - verbally or with emojis, share a special item or experience with classmates during Show and Tell, or had discussions about an SEL topic, such as building patience or working through challenges.
Ms. Nata also weaved the elements of the Power of 3 into her Morning Meetings and throughout the school day. By doing so, she helped build a strong sense of community as well as a safe space for children to learn and care for themselves and each other.
Q: How is the teacher creating some sense of normalcy within his/her classroom?
A: By rethinking and recreating activities that she did in-person with her class, Ms. Nata brought some sense of normalcy. For example, she was strategic in her choice of engaging read alouds and the way that she delivered them. Miss Nata read to the children as if they were sitting in front of her on the classroom rug.
She stopped to ask questions or highlighted certain words/parts for discussions. She made sure that they could see the illustrations by holding it close to the computer camera or asked the children to 'pin' her on their screens to get a closer look.
She was also attentive to her children's academic needs by teaching a balance of whole group and small group lessons virtually as she would have done in-person. Miss Nata did all of these things with her calm, caring, and nurturing demeanor, which made each child in her class feel special!
Q: How has your relationship with your teacher grown?
A: Ms. Nata and I have built a strong rapport and trust because we discovered throughout this school year that we have a lot in common. Mostly, we share the love and joy of learning, as well as the passion for working with children to help them become the best versions of themselves.
We were true thought partners as we combined our ideas and enthusiasm about the craft of teaching, so that we were able to re-imagine how to plan and deliver literacy lessons virtually. Ms. Nata and I have also been a source of support for one another, professionally and personally as we navigated these unprecedented times together.
It's such a great pleasure and honor to work side-by-side with Ms. Nata, who is definitely a Teacher Hero, in my book!
A VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Raise a Glass for Reading!
After a season of showcasing the unique stories of the teachers we serve and emphasizing the importance and impact of continued support for our teachers, schools, and larger communities, we come together to celebrate literacy!
Showcase your commitment to children’s literacy, early childhood education and social justice, and join us June 10 for a wonderful event.
