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After teaching in her hometown of Danville for 13 years, Teri Bott made the move to Salt Fork South Elementary School last year, where she’s in her second year teaching first grade.

“She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students not only understand the material but also develop a true love for learning,” Principal Brian Allensworth said. “Her caring nature is evident in the way she supports and encourages every child, meeting them where they are. Mrs. Bott creates a welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued. Her dedication makes a lasting impact on both her students and our school community.”

I find my work important because … beyond academics, I am trusted to help students find their strengths, nurture talents, and prepare them with skills for their future.

I became a teacher because … I have always loved working with kids, and I have always loved learning. Teaching is the best way to combine those two things. To be able to help students and guide them to reach their potential is the best part of the job.

My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … Throughout the year, I do multiple classroom “flips.” A flip is when I transform our classroom to go along with what we are learning. For example, we do a reading unit about different habitats from all over the world. At the end of the unit, I turn our classroom into a rain forest, complete with decorative trees, animals and all things rain forest. We spend a couple of days in the rain forest researching, exploring and reviewing our content. The students love it and have so much fun learning.

My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … Well, it is hard to choose just one. One of the top moments is always when a student has that lightbulb moment, and something they have been trying to learn just clicks. I love the small moments, too, like enjoying a read-aloud, or sharing a laugh together. Those are always great, too.

I keep students engaged by … trying my best to incorporate some fun where I can. I like to use little songs, sayings and movements to make things memorable and engaging. Students love to use their white boards and manipulatives to help complete their work. I also incorporate games into our learning whenever possible. Using a variety of activities helps keep students engaged and makes content more interesting.

Something else I’m passionate about is … Besides spending time with my husband and daughter, I love hand-lettering and calligraphy. It is something I have really enjoyed learning, and I like to use to make signs, cards, Christmas ornaments and for Bible journaling.

My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … this is a hard one. I have been lucky to have many wonderful teachers throughout my school career. In elementary school, my favorite teacher was my fourth-grade teacher, Miss Jones at East Park. She was always encouraging and had a fun way of teaching. I just remember loving fourth grade, and I was always excited to go.

If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … in a career that still involved working with children, like a counselor or social worker.

— ANTHONY ZILIS