Mary Travis ignites an energetic atmosphere at Gilliard Elementary School, where she teaches fifth grade math and science. She fosters students’ curiosity to learn by setting high expectations, making lessons relevant to everyday life, and implementing hands-on activities to solve problems.
Constantly collaborative, Travis uses whole- and small-group instruction, infuses technology, and encourages students to create interactive visuals to demonstrate their thinking and distill complex concepts. One assignment that sets the room abuzz is the “Volume City Project.” Students design their own business (such as a hospital, restaurant, school, or supermarket) or residential buildings by calculating volume proportions, then work together to merge their constructions (and total volume) into a cohesive city. Another project is a math “breakout,” where students in one class develop problems to solve, answer keys and secret codes for the other class to crack. The winning students receive a key to a suitcase of prizes. In science, Travis engages students through daily exploration activities, online lab simulations, and science experiments.
As a math lead teacher, Travis supervises student teachers, mentors new educators, and trains staff on best practices, differentiated instruction, and new technology. She shares data and strategies with colleagues, who seek her guidance as a trusted resource, and opens her lessons for observation in the “Pineapple Room,” where teachers exchange strategies for success. Her positive influence is amplified through her role as a Gizmo (instructional tool) district teacher leader, a member of the district’s math curriculum writing team, and through professional development presentations for the school and district. As the school’s math team coach, Travis works with students and leads them through competitions.
Travis builds relationships with her students and their families using the latest technologies and instructional tools. She is certified in Nearpod and Quizizz and uses apps like Class Dojo and Seesaw to keep parents informed about classroom activities and student progress. Former students and their parents remain connected with Travis beyond their time at Gilliard as lifelong members of “Trav’s Tribe.” Furthermore, Travis is dedicated to raising school spirit by serving as her school’s mascot, “Gilly Gator.”
Travis earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of South Alabama in 2011.
Press Release: National Milken Educator Awards Tour Touches Down in Mobile to Surprise Teacher Mary Travis with $25,000
