Welcome Ms. Ferguson

Our student teacher from The University of Tampa begins her time with us starting this Wednesday and we are ALL so excited to have her. Ms. Ferguson will be with us through May, helping support the academic success of each of our students. Here is a little about her:

Greetings Mr. Catania’s Fifth Grade Students and Parents,

            2015 is quickly getting underway and so are my plans of meeting you soon.

I am Courtney Ferguson and I will be interning in Mr. Catania’s class from mid

January until early May.  This is my final internship before becoming a fully certified

teacher and having a classroom of my very own.  I am originally from New Jersey,

but have fallen in love with the Tampa Bay area and have plans of staying here after

graduation.  The University of Tampa struck me as the perfect school because of its

great connections with the Tampa Bay community, their wonderful Education

Department, and who wouldn’t be impressed by palm trees on campus!  I love to

spend my time running down Bay Shore Boulevard and exploring the stunning local

beaches.  As far as my teaching style, I am a proponent of hands on activities and

getting children out of their seats to do their work.  I believe group interaction and

communication is very successful.  Every student learns differently, and I am excited

to learn each student’s style. I was inspired to become a teacher because of the love

and passion my teachers displayed on a daily basis.  I continuously saw their

compassion and interest in the success of each of their students.  When I shared my

interest in becoming a teacher with several of my past teachers, they encouraged me

and made me feel confident that my qualities would be a positive addition to the

teaching community.  I am extremely excited and grateful to be spending the next

several months at Gorrie Elementary working with Mr. Catania, his students, and

their parents.

Loyally,

Courtney Ferguson