Meet a 2023 School Teacher of the Year: Winn Ward of Bascomb ES!

Our teachers are amazing, which is why we share the story of a school’s Teacher of the Year every week ... please help us celebrate 2023 Bascomb Elementary School Teacher of the Year Winn Ward!

Cultivating a growth mindset in her students is a passion for Bascomb Elementary School teacher Winn Ward.

The 16-year educator first researched the concept when she began teaching in the early intervention program, which provides additional support to students at risk of falling behind academically.

“Growth mindset inspires students to believe that, with hard work and time, their abilities or talents can improve, which stands in stark contrast to a fixed mindset that promotes the idea that such improvement is unlikely,” said Ms. Ward, who has earned Teacher of the Year honors at three schools.  “And I have discovered that the longer I teach growth mindset, the more I am able to observe the students’ increased motivation and engagement – even when work is challenging.”

Ms. Ward now serves as a co-teacher to support Special Education students in regular classrooms and earns praise from students’ parents and her colleagues for her instructional and relationship building skills.

“She meets every child at their level academically and behaviorally,” a colleague shared.  “Families respect Mrs. Ward and fully support her because they know she truly cares about their child and their well-being.”

In her own words: “Ensuring that my students feel connected to me, to their school and, above all, to their community is of utmost important to me as a Special Education teacher.  Special Education learners can easily disconnect from their educational world if they are not provided the appropriate amount of care, love and connection, which is why I strive to provide a sense of belonging to my students.”

Special thanks to our 2023 Legacy Makers: CCSD Teachers of the Year Celebration's Presenting Sponsors: Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Credit Union of Georgia, Northside Hospital Cherokee and Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Canton.

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