Bonnie Pollock, a sixth grade English language arts, reading, and social studies teacher at Old High Middle School, transforms her classroom into a place of magic, fun, and deep educational enrichment. Students are accustomed to Pollock’s interactive grammar lessons, themed classroom experiences like “Willy Wonka,” classroom games like “Candy Connotation,” escape rooms, or even a theater acting project to dissect “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Students also benefit from other hands-on projects that connect to core curriculum like coding Ozobots to outline a story’s plot, or participating in an Ancient Greece symposium, with the class dressed in togas ready to debate one another and present their characters to parents.
Pollock is a member of her school’s leadership team, which follows the district’s implementation of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s system for teacher leadership, support and growth. She has opened her classroom to host student teachers, observers, and more. Eager to grow both herself and others professionally, she serves as a mentor for the district’s Ignite Education program, where she mentors high school students in Bentonville looking to become a teacher. She also mentors student teachers and participates in co-teaching professional development through Johns Hopkins University, where she has completed Boundless Learning Co-Teaching training. Pollock is an active member on her school’s fundraising committee, and serves as a PBIS committee leader, team leader, interdisciplinary team leader, and PLC leader. In the district, she has served on the sixth grade ELA curriculum pacing team and several textbook committees as well as has presented professional development on teaching grammar, data-driven decision making, co-teaching, and student engagement. Pollock has attended instructional coaching conferences and the Bentonville Leadership Conference to further engage her professional growth outside of school.
An avid writer, Pollock’s passion shines in her leadership of a student-led writing club, where many of her students have advanced to win local, state, and even international writing or essay competitions. She also organizes a Geography Bee and a Civics Bee for social studies students and leads the Girl Empowerment Club.
An Illinois State University graduate, Pollock earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and Spanish in 2013 and a Master of Science in teaching and learning in 2016.
Press Release: Bentonville's Bonnie Pollock Recognized Nationally with $25,000 Milken Educator Award
