Madison elementary salutes Morgan as top teacher

MADISON – The faculty and staff at Madison Elementary School have selected Zandra Morgan as “Teacher of the Year” for 2018.

“I have worked at Madison Elementary School as a collaborative, special education teacher for five years,” Morgan said. “I worked at St. Peter’s Child Development Center (in Hoover) for two years as a preschool special education specialist.”

At Madison elementary, Morgan has served on several district committees, including RTI, Educator Effectiveness and Neuroscience of Learning. She has worked as the lead elementary teacher for special education with Extended School Year or ESY for three summers.

In describing her teaching philosophy, Morgan said that educators must nurture the whole child. “In my classroom, we focus on increasing independence and success in academics and behavior/socialization. I want my students to know they have the ability to positively impact their community.”

Morgan believes that a child’s confidence greatly impacts his or her ability to persevere. “Therefore, my students and I give specific and positive feedback. We work on identifying and growing strengths and weaknesses. We celebrate each step in the process,” she said.

Morgan completed undergraduate study at Samford University in early, elementary, collaborative and special education with a minor in Spanish. “I received my master’s degree from the University of Montevallo in elementary education with a focus in ESL/special education,” she said.

“I live with my husband Jeffrey and my dog Winkers,” she said. “I have lived in Madison for six years.”

Morgan finds fulfillment in the classroom during those moments when a student begins to see his or her success. For example, “The first moment they say, ‘I’m becoming a good reader,’ or they try something new and feel the success of persevering,” she said.

Zandra enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. “I enjoy spending time with my family,” she said.