Marie Hawkins is a multi-categorical resource room teacher at Irving Weber Elementary School in Iowa City. Ms. Hawkins works with the second- through sixth-graders who have been identified as achieving at least two grade levels below their ability in either math, reading or written language. Ms. Hawkins believes that self-confidence is essential to the successes of her students, both in and out of the classroom. "The most rewarding experience I have had as an educator is observing the pride and excitement when my students recognize the progress they've made," she explains. One strategy that she has explored in her classroom uses a unique reading method that builds students' reading confidence and enhances their comprehension before the reading process begins. Ms. Hawkins also actively plans and teams with colleagues, parents and other community members to develop programs to benefit the entire community.
1978 Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, M.A.
