KINGFIELD – A second grade teacher at Kingfield Elementary School has been awarded Franklin County’s Teacher of the Year award after being nominated for the statewide competition last winter.
Selina Warren, who joined KES three years ago, had always dreamed of being on stage as a little girl.
“I always wanted to be famous, so now being a sort of local celebrity feels like I’ve achieved that dream,” Warren said.
From goals of Broadway to an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies, Warren said the path to teaching was not a clearly blazed trail as it is for many naturally gifted educators. Even pursuing a college degree was an afterthought of traveling across the country, something she dove into only because her younger sister was doing it.
“It just all kind of worked out,” Warren said. “Through teaching I’m able to combine all of my passions.”
After taking some Early Childhood Education classes at the University of Maine at Farmington, Warren realized there was a significant connection between her Environmental Studies and those of a growing child’s mind.
“My primary focus in the classroom is the health and wellness of my students. If that piece is missing then I truly believe they cannot learn,” Warren said.
To promote a classroom of vibrant, bright students, Warren has reached back to her studies of nature and the many benefits it offers to young learners. She has implemented a school garden where she instills a love for digging in dirt, planting seeds, helping them grow and eventually eating clean food. She established KES’ own branch of Winter Kids, a program aimed at getting kids outside and active during the snowy months. In addition, Warren brought in a school-wide program that helps promotes exercise and healthy eating, called 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go.
The second grade teacher said she wasn’t expecting the nomination, but with her second son on his way and a maternity leave quickly approaching the timing worked out. She spent the remainder of her pregnancy putting together her portfolio, answering given prompts and crafting her philosophy as an educator- a demanding amount of work.
“It was a great opportunity to reflect on my teaching practice and as a result has opened so many more doors for me,” Warren said. “Teaching can sometimes feel like a thankless and isolating profession. This whole experience has made me proud of the work I do and has pushed me to share my pride with others. Teachers are often way too humble.”
Congratulations to Franklin County’s Teacher of the year!
I feel honored to know that my granddaughter is one of your students.
The world needs more teachers like you!
Congratulations to you, and bravo for your thoughtful, powerful approach to teaching.
The best to you Selina and it is hoped that you remain in Kingfield for the good you are doing, not just the students, but all who work with you and are touched by your caring and devotedness. With educators like you in place, it is no wonder that your district scores so high among the rest of the schools in Maine.