February 2021 Golden Apple Award
A good educator, be them a teacher or administrator, is an artist striving each year to begin with a blank canvas and end with a masterpiece. An educator can often recognize the uniqueness of the individuals they instruct and work miracles with some of them. DeAnna Brumfield has many qualifications that render her one of these 'great' educators. First, Mrs. Brumfield is exceptionally organized. Her administrative skills make her the perfect fit as SPHS's Interventionist. Her classroom environment is conducive to learning as she successfully engages students by meeting them at their level and pressing them as far as they can go. She continuously selects materials that help students succeed, and through reflection and analysis, determines who will require remediation or enrichment. Mrs. Brumfield has clear expectations, is consistent with those expectations, and produces successful students. In her classroom, she cultivates resilience, helping students surrender themselves to life's ups and downs, adjusting their attitudes, and helping them learn. Like other effective educators, she embraces education with a passion. Mrs. Brumfield's love of students and love of teaching is evident in her dedication to her students and professionalism. She fully understands and accepts her educator's role in the lives of her students. She maintains a work ethic that WILL NOT quit. Helping teachers, students, and administration at night and on weekends is the norm for her. When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, Mrs. Brumfield uses patience, belief, and grit to encourage students to achieve their goals. She perseveres with her students steadfastly, which is the difference between failure and success. Her ego is strong enough to survive the difficult days while retaining enough humility to remember it's not about her; it's about her students, teachers, and SPHS. Mrs. Brumfield exhibits an extraordinary willingness to work collaboratively with others by always being prepared and ready to serve; yet, she is flexible and willing to reflect and make any necessary changes when it benefits students or staff. Being open-minded certainly is an asset to any educator. Mrs. Brumfield's open-mindedness helps her to "go with the flow." She listens to all of the ideas and implements new things with a positive attitude. Mrs. Brumfield is a visionary who is willing to support all administrative proposals even if she disagrees with them. She always displays a positive attitude and is an encouraging influence on others. This leadership quality encourages others to try new things and move out of their "comfort zone." Whether it is to students in the classroom or colleagues in the building, Mrs. Brumfield is an outstanding leader who epitomizes moral integrity. Integrity is crucial as it opens one to "do the right thing even when no-one is looking." Mrs. Brumfield exemplifies model behavior and is a positive role model for SPHS students and teachers alike. A good teacher is passionate and dedicated. These characteristics enable a teacher to respond to our students' needs and new school initiatives without guilt or reservation. Mrs. Brumfield "goes the extra mile" to ensure that SPHS students and teachers succeed. Her passion and dedication to SPHS faculty, staff, and students is immeasurable, heartfelt, and indestructible. As Mrs. Brumfield applies paint to the canvas, she automatically and unknowingly adds color, value, and worth to SHPS's masterpiece.
It is with pride that SPHS Interventionist, DeAnna Brumfield, is named the February 2021 Golden Apple recipient.