An Award-Winning Approach to Education

2 min

Jul 15, 2024

The Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards have been honoring outstanding early care and education teachers since 1994. This year, for the second year in a row, Malvern School teachers were among the honorees from around the country! One of the 2022 Teacher Award recipients is Ms. Melissa Bussell, Preschool 1 Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at The Malvern School of Montgomeryville, who is known for her child-centered approach to teaching. �When you win an award for one of your true passions, it leaves a teacher like me speechless,� says Ms. Melissa. �Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers you can have. It�s filled with moments you will remember for a lifetime because of the impact you�re making every day.� With a Bachelor�s degree in education studies from Gwynedd Mercy University, nearly a decade of experience in early childhood education and the additional responsibility of mentoring her fellow teachers outside of her own classroom, Ms. Melissa is certainly making a difference for her students and school community. Learn more about Ms. Melissa and her award-winning approach to education in the Q&A below! TMS: What�s your teaching philosophy? MB: My teaching philosophy centers around meeting each child's individual needs, helping each child build self-confidence and supporting each child's learning capabilities so they can do their best.�I pride myself on being a role model for my children, showing them how to treat others the way they want to be treated. I always make sure my children feel comfortable, are being heard and are thriving on a daily basis. TMS: Why did you choose to dedicate your career to early childhood education? MB: I have had a passion for teaching ever since I can remember. I love knowing that I�m a part of a child�s story and making a difference in their lives. The children look forward to coming to school, and I love making them feel loved, welcomed and safe when entering the classroom.�Not only are the children learning from me, but I�m also learning from them each day. Teaching young children gives you a different outlook on the world. TMS: Why have you chosen to teach at The Malvern School specifically? MB: The Malvern School is not only a place where everyone thoroughly enjoys teaching young children, but is also a place where you gain a sense of community.�I enjoy talking to parents and learning more about the children individually. I then have the freedom to plan my lessons around what the children might need or interest them specifically. TMS: What does being a recipient of the Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Award mean to you? MB: It�s such an honor. To not only be nominated, but to actually win this award proves the hard work and dedication that I put into teaching preschool. Teaching young children has always been a dream of mine. To see the effort I put into teaching each day turn into a recognition like this leaves me speechless and reinforces that I'm where I'm meant to be.

Kudos, Ms. Melissa, for representing The Malvern Way!

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An Award-Winning Approach to Education

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