Robert Garry
John J. Jennings Elementary School
Bristol, CT

"I am always a teacher - seeking out meaningful learning opportunities and experiences to bring to my students. Learning opportunities exist everywhere, and I take advantage of every occasion to present students with opportunities to make new discoveries and become inspired learners. In my classroom, the impossible becomes possible. Students and their families know when their teacher has made a personal investment in their success - this strengthens the bond between home and school and may contribute to a lifetime commitment to learning. I believe in what I do, and I know that great things will come for my students as a result of my efforts as a teacher. I can think of no other profession where you get to be a child's hero for 180 days - and in some cases much longer."

"Robert Garry is an outstanding educator who makes a difference in the lives of our children each and every day. His creative and innovative approaches to teaching make him an exemplary teacher and a positive role model for our school community. Bob believes in the power of teaching with Multiple Intelligences to reach the potential of every child he works with."

Teaching is as much an art form as it is a profession. Anyone can deliver information, but the key to good teaching is finding unique ways to get the students involved in the learning. In my classroom, learning is a journey not a destination - and it is one I travel with the students. Integrating curriculum, constant monitoring for understanding, differentiating instruction, and presenting students with opportunities to be "in charge" of their own learning is central to my effectiveness as a teacher. Keeping the students interested in the many topics they are presented with is a challenge - but an enjoyable one. Humor is a terrific resource in my classroom - learning (and teaching) should be fun. We laugh and we learn to enjoy learning everyday. I use any means available - props, tools, actions, voices, toys, and tricks - to involve students in the learning. The theme from "Jaws" often introduces our math class, kitchen utensils and student mannequins become valuable parts of many lessons, and rather than a strict discipline policy we have the town of "Garryville" where students earn weekly salaries based on academic and behavioral goals (they even pay rent, run businesses, and buy homework insurance!). I even use my background as a martial arts instructor to introduce new topics. My goal is to generate interest and enthusiasm - once I have their attention, my students can learn anything.

Other Highlights:

• Bristol Teacher of the Year, 2004-2005
• Southwest Elementary School Teacher of the Year; 2000
• Connecticut Association of Schools Outstanding School Project Award (2000) for "The Human Snowglobe Project - A unique winter experience through writing and the multiple intelligences.
• Connecticut Association of Schools, Student Leadership Conference; Annual Presenter (1997 - 2004)
• Minds in Motion; CT Assoc. for Gifted Education; Presenter (1997, 1998, 2001)
• Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon Participant; Annual Participant
• Started "Breakfast Club" - Before school tutorial program for students needing extra academic assistance.
• Jennings School S.T.O.R.M. Team Advisor; S.T.O.R.M. stands for Special Team of Role Models.
• 4th Degree Master Black Belt - Tang Soo Do Karate
• Tang Soo Do Masters Alliance Codes & Tenets Award Recipient (2002)
• Best of the Best Tournament Champion, 2001
• Head Instructor; Plymouth Karate Club; 1994 - 2003
• Tang Soo Do Masters Alliance Board of Directors, 1997 - 2004
• Kid Smart - Parent / Student Self Defense Seminar Series
• Southington Girl Scouts Sports Day; Martial Arts Seminars & Demonstrations
• Piano Player / Singer - Performed professionally throughout Connecticut