Learning: DisneyHand Teacher Awards: The 2004 Honorees
Gillian King
Middle School: Science - 7th grade Life Science & 8th grade Earth Science

Gillian King
Woodworth Middle School
Fond du Lac, WI

"My beliefs are embedded in all aspects of my classroom environment. My students know I believe that all of them have the ability to learn and that I will do everything I can to help them achieve their full academic ability. I structure my classroom around my students; since I seldom use the textbook I can accommodate my students' learning styles while still covering the required curriculum. While the structure of each period remains the same, I use a different approach in teaching each class in order to best accommodate the various learning styles of that particular group of students. I judge students individually and help them realize their untapped potential. People always tell me that, as a teacher, I have the power to shape the future. However, I have ultimately found that it is my students and the experiences they bring with them that shape me both as a professional and as a person, and I am infinitely grateful for it."

-- Gillian

"Mrs. King has had a profound influence on both of my children. She uses a variety of methods to challenge and excite all of her students. My children retain and use the scientific methods they learn from Gillian in other classes, even 2 years later. Her students love inter-subject thematic units, such as a hands-on detective case. In addition, she initiated the science fair in the school and district-wide. Because of her, my kids love science, and they have learned skills they will use for many years. She is one of those incredible teachers that students will remember forever."

-- Susan Sande, parent of current and former students

In order to help her students achieve their potential, Gillian runs a morning study program in which she helps students study for tests and aid with homework or anything else they need before school starts. Gillian also takes this time to help them organize their notebooks and folders, as well as their lockers. To help parents keep up with daily occurrences and assignments in class, she created a newsletter that lets them know what the assignments and due dates are for each unit. Gillian sends the newsletter via e-mail or the regular mail, depending on what is most easily accessible for the parent. The individual backgrounds of each of her students have a big effect on how she runs her class. Gillian encourages the students to become their own advocates and not to be afraid to ask for help. She challenges her students to reach their full potential through hands-on activities.

Other Highlights:

  • Science Department Division Leader 2000- present
  • Team Leader of the Puma Team
  • Coordinate and facilitate Puma Team Power Hour [team-based morning study program]
  • Founder and director of the school-wide science fair
  • Participate in mentoring new teachers in the school district
  • Provide training for student teachers 2000 - present
  • Fond du Lac Teacher of the Year 2001-2002
  • Who's Who Among Teachers 2004
  • Other interests include spending time my husband, Ted, and 2 boys, Braden and Declan; as well as gardening, reading and riding ATV's