Educator of the Week: Natasha McDonald
Yesterday, we announced last week’s Educator of the Week. Now, we will announce this week’s winner presented by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Natasha McDonald is a fifth-grade English and Language Arts teacher at Alamo City School in Crockett County. She has been teaching for 10 years and says that fifth grade has been her favorite.
She also tells us her favorite part about teaching.
“My favorite part of teaching is establishing a relationship with my students. I really enjoy setting the foundation and letting them know that they are loved. I am really blessed that God has given me the ability to become a teacher and to be that person for the students and to let them know that they are loved,” McDonald said.
This is not the first time McDonald has been with Alamo City School. Her previous time here is what inspired her to become a teacher.
“I became a teacher because when I was younger I actually went to Alamo City School as a kid. This school set the foundation for my love of learning. So I had a lot of mentors and wonderful relationships and friendships here. So as I got older I wanted to be able to be that person to provide that for other students,” McDonald said.
Of course, the students getting a stronger grasp on English and Language Arts is important to McDonald. However, there is something else that she wants them to take from her classroom.
“There are a lot of things that I want my students to take from my class, but the one thing is to know that they are loved and that I love them, and that Jesus loves them, and that no matter what, we are a family here at Alamo City School. So apart from the curriculum and the skills and standards they need as a fifth grader, I really just want to make sure that they know they are loved,” McDonald said.
McDonald says she tries to make the classroom a home for the students.
McDonald is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.
To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.
To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at [email protected].
