Knightly News

Do you know how light interacts with the components of a cow’s eye? Could you create a working arcade game from cardboard and recycled materials? Episcopal fourth grade students have hands-on experience with both of these scenarios, and the lessons aren’t something the students will soon forget. Recently, the educator behind these experiences was honored for her work in the classroom.

Episcopal Lower School science teacher Rosalyn Won is the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools Connie Wootton Excellence in Elementary Teaching Award winner! According to SAES, this annual honor recognizes an exceptional elementary teacher who displays a passion for teaching and innovation, a deep appreciation for professional development, a love for students and a willingness to help them achieve their personal best.  Won began her teaching career in 2001 and has been helping Episcopal students have meaningful classroom experiences since 2013. After all that Won has done for Episcopal Lower School students, Division Head Beth Gardner was happy to nominate her for this honor. “Without a doubt, Ros possesses an entrepreneurial spirit,” writes Gardner. “She embraces critical questioning, innovation, service, and continuous improvement, for herself, students, and colleagues.”

“Her students tinker, investigate, learn from mistakes, and discover success.” Lower School Division Head Beth Gardner

As a fourth grade science teacher, Won’s classroom is a place of wonder and exploration. Won says she feels lucky that science lends itself so easily to hands-on activities, and she enjoys introducing new and engaging ways for students to learn. For example, fourth graders do not simply study landforms. Students actually make edible versions of the mountains, deserts and plateaus. When exploring electricity, students turn on a light bulb using only a battery and a paper clip. To learn more about circuits and how they work, students build the cardboard arcade and invite classmates to play. These discoveries bring science to life and make learning fun.

Visit Won’s classroom and it’s obvious that she has as much fun as her students. Won loves watching students enjoy a lesson and the moment when they first understand a new concept. “When that light bulb goes off, it is really a joy to see how they are learning,” she says.

“You are beautiful!” Won’s mentor, Mrs. Helbling

Won’s special formula for teaching is greatly influenced by someone who predicted that she would one day lead a classroom. As a second grader, Won loved science and aspired to be an astronaut. She also loved her teacher, Mrs. Helbling, who told Won she would be a great teacher one day. She remembers Mrs. Helbling’s zest for life and enthusiasm for each lesson. Mrs. Helbling had a way of connecting with students that made them feel important and seen. Won says each morning Mrs. Helbling would look the students in the eyes and proclaim, “You are beautiful!” These small gestures meant so much to the small children and even now that sense of connectedness still has a profound impact on Won.

After finishing school, Won went on to earn a biology degree from Whitman College. She embarked on adventures teaching English to students in China and Taiwan. Along the way, she discovered that teaching is incredibly rewarding. Mrs. Helbling was right, and Won became an educator. She earned a master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from New York University and began her career in the classroom. Like Mrs. Helbling, Won’s enthusiasm for the profession is apparent. It is also clear that she is connected to her students.

Handshakes

“I do want to teach the curriculum, teach them science,” says Won. “But I feel teaching goes beyond that also. I want my students to be good people, to be kind people, respectful, caring contributing citizens to the world.” Like her role model Mrs. Helbling, Won relates to her students and models positive attributes for them. “She celebrates their birthdays, gets to know about their families and interests, and honors their cultural and religious backgrounds,” says Gardner. “And she has fun with her students!” For example, Won establishes individual handshakes with each student and memorizes every single one. 

That commitment to celebrating and recognizing students goes well beyond the fourth grade classroom. Earlier this year, Won discovered a first grader’s review of a Baton Rouge restaurant. As a frequent diner at the establishment, Won knows the owner, so she arranged for the student to meet her. Each year, Won also shares a presentation on Lunar New Year with second graders as a way to educate students on different cultures. “Ros is thoughtful, generous, and always thinking of all students,” says Gardner.

Outside of the classroom, Won is a doer and a learner. A fitness buff, she is frequently on the move and loves the great outdoors. She also enjoys good food and time with family. She feels lucky to share the Episcopal experience with her son Milo, who has been a Knight since PreK-3. “It’s a win/win situation to have him on campus,” she says with a smile.

Episcopal is fortunate to have educators like Won among the faculty. No doubt, she is making a difference in the lives of students and helping them establish a strong foundation for life. Join us in congratulating her for being named the Connie Wootton Excellence in Education winner.

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