Dawn Trenholm, an A+ Teacher at Highlands Elementary School in Winter Springs, Florida, took a unique path to the classroom that she is grateful for. She always had a passion for working with children and initially pursued a degree in psychology. After working for the Department of Children and Families, she made the switch to education and found her true calling.
Trenholm believes in giving her students a voice and allowing them to collaborate with their peers to find solutions on their own. In her math and science classes, she encourages her students to use their imagination and have fun while learning. It’s not just about teaching math skills, but also life skills that her students can carry with them long after they leave her classroom.
Trenholm emphasizes the importance of integrity and making good choices, encouraging her students to lead by example. Seeing her former students exhibit these qualities makes her work as a teacher feel worthwhile. For Trenholm, the joy of teaching comes from knowing that she is making a positive impact on her students’ lives by instilling in them the values and skills they need to succeed.
