In the spotlight: Rotary Finalist Sarah Pasion
2/13/2019
Sarah Pasion teaches fourth grade mathematics and science at Sadie T. Tillis Elementary School. Mrs. Pasion is a proud educator who aims to make a contribution in shaping the world of tomorrow. She says that her most significant goal is to impact the life of every student she teaches. She is an innovator and a leader in mathematics instruction.
Praise from Principal Angela L. Jordan
“Mrs. Pasion has continued her quest for excellence by becoming a model math classroom. She collaborated with district leadership by videotaping math sessions to highlight best teaching practices and strategies. She also earned the “Valued” award from [Region Superintendent] Dr. Cagle for math video clips she shared to model best practices. Mrs. Pasion demonstrates a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. She develops her craft by attending professional development, both district and school based. She pursues individual learning based on challenges within her classroom. She works as an integral part of the fourth grade team and our school community.”
If you are chosen as the 2019 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year, what would your message be?
“Carpe diem! Seize the day! Being a teacher is something that I had dreamt since I was young. I remember when I was six years old, my cousins and I would play like teacher and students. I would be their teacher and they would be my students. I would teach them how to read words and solve math problems. Then, I would make them certificates and medals that were made up from bottle crown. Last, we would have our graduation day. We would sing ‘Be brave little one, make a wish for each sad little tear. Hold your head up though no one is near. Someone's wait- ing for you.’ I would see my cousins' excitement. They would come to our home and ask for me to play like teacher and students. This event led me to a realization that I shouldn't stop in achieving my goal of becoming an educator. I would seize the day because I love to educate, motivate, and reward students just like what I have done for my cousins. Nowadays, teachers are facing challenges and injustices in teaching. How do I stay in the field of education? How do I stay energized and excited in teach- ing my lesson, conferencing with parents, meetings, changing curriculum, differentiating instructions, analyzing data and much more? I just remember the day when my cousins and I were playing like teacher and students. I seized the day of learning with them, having fun by doing some exciting and motivating activities!”
Ms. Pasion appeared on the Channel 4 Morning Show ahead of the 2019 EDDY Awards to talk about what inspires her as a teacher.