Staffie the Lion
A roar of a welcome to you my friend from Stafford's Lion Den. I'm Staffie, and I am so glad that you have decided to take a vicarious journey with me as I accompany Mrs. Smith on her Teacher of the Year travels! I'll do my best to be in as many pictures as possible, so that you can enjoy the adventures too. After all, what fun is it without you?
Stay tuned!
Roars of love,
Staffie
Staffie Visits NEA Convention in Chicago
Made it to Chicago
Can't wait to Explore!
Can't wait to Explore!
We were in for a treat once we got to Chicago!
Can't wait to Explore!
Can't wait to Explore!
Can't wait to Explore!
A cool city. But first, rest.
My Hotel
Can't wait to Explore!
My Hotel
So many teachers were gathered here to elevate their craft and their advocacy for students and education.
Merch!
I Met A Friend!
My Hotel
There were so many cool giveaways! The best ones though were the deep conversations on how we can grow and get better for our students.
I Met A Friend!
I Met A Friend!
I Met A Friend!
This is Gnome. Her teacher also joined us for dinner. It was fun learning about each other and the contributions that we each bring to education.
Staffie visits google headquarters in CA
Google Here I Come!
Can you find me in this picture?
Can you find me in this picture?
The minute I walked into the building at Google Headquarters in California, I had to stop and take a picture. I was so excited for the day!
Can you find me in this picture?
Can you find me in this picture?
Can you find me in this picture?
Google was so welcoming! They even had breakfast ready when we got there. Ooops, I forgot to take a picture, but trust me, it was good!
Say Hi To My Google Teacher
Can you find me in this picture?
An Interesting Fact About Mrs. Smith
My Google Teacher was so kind to take a picture with me and my STEM friend from Alaska, Mini. We learned so much. I can't even imagine a world without technology. It is embedded in everything we do.
An Interesting Fact About Mrs. Smith
A Lesson with US Virgin Islands' Teacher
An Interesting Fact About Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith was asked to complete this card to hang on our board with the other state teachers. Can you believe she didn't learn to swim while living in the Caribbean? That's an interesting fact for sure!
A Lesson with US Virgin Islands' Teacher
A Lesson with US Virgin Islands' Teacher
A Lesson with US Virgin Islands' Teacher
One of the coolest things we did was to participate in a lesson by the 2024 US Virgin Islands Teacher of the Year, Ms. Battiste. She is a kindergarten teacher and facilitated a lesson for us on the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Making my own Caterpillar was the best part!
Mrs. Smith in Her Element
A Lesson with US Virgin Islands' Teacher
A Lesson with US Virgin Islands' Teacher
One of my favorite moments was watching Mrs. Smith teach Relative Density to her group of other State Teachers of the Year at the GOOGLE HEADQUARTERS!!!- It was so engaging. She brought the lab supplies. We did the actual experiment including a lab sheet. It was funny to see the teachers' predictions and the actual outcomes when they layered the liquids. They loved the experiment and her coat!! Sorry I wasn't in this shot. I was busy taking the picture. Left to right- Wyoming, US Virgin Is., Kansas, and Virginia.
Minnie and I Hanging with our Teachers At Google
Minnie and I Hanging with our Teachers At Google
Minnie and I Hanging with our Teachers At Google
Mrs. Smith is all about collaboration and teachers supporting each other. It was such a joy watching her and Ms. Walker, the state teacher from Alaska bonding. She does amazing things in her state on behalf of education. No wonder, Minnie and I hit if off. We had so much fun learning and growing together as well.
National teacher of the Year Program
My First Flight- California
I Visited the Dallas Cowboys Store at the Dallas Airport
I Visited the Dallas Cowboys Store at the Dallas Airport
I traveled with Mrs. Smith to California for the National Teacher of the Year Program.
I Visited the Dallas Cowboys Store at the Dallas Airport
I Visited the Dallas Cowboys Store at the Dallas Airport
I Visited the Dallas Cowboys Store at the Dallas Airport
It was so cool to see all the Dallas Cowboys Items. I know Mrs. Smith's students would love everything in this store!
A Deck of Cards
I Visited the Dallas Cowboys Store at the Dallas Airport
A Deck of Cards
This is the second deck of card that we have bought for the students. We are trying to buy cards from each state. The students will love this one! I hope I get a chance to trade cards too.
Minnie and Me
I met Sarah Brown Wessling
A Deck of Cards
Just when I thought that it would get lonely in California without a friend, Minnie showed up and we have been hanging out together since!
I met Rodney Robinson
I met Sarah Brown Wessling
I met Sarah Brown Wessling
We met Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year! His smile was so big when he was asked to take a picture with Staffie and Minnie, my new friend from Alaska
I met Sarah Brown Wessling
I met Sarah Brown Wessling
I met Sarah Brown Wessling
Our very own 2010 National Teacher of the Year was so ready and happy to do a photo shoot with Minnie- my BFF STEM lego from Alaska.
Staffie Visits The Children’s Museum
Book Signing with Jason Chin
Book Signing with Jason Chin
Book Signing with Jason Chin
It was so excited to finally meet Jason Chin who wrote so many great children books on science. I can't imagine a life without science.
Ready for Students' Visit
Book Signing with Jason Chin
Book Signing with Jason Chin
In 5th grade Mrs. Smith teaches about landforms. It was really cool to read this book that Jason Chin illustrated, then watch students light up as Mrs. Smith guided through creating a canyon.
Bonding with Community Partners
Bonding with Community Partners
Bonding with Community Partners
Our master naturalist from Abilene always support us at our school for events Mrs. Smith plans. It was a really fun day just having her with us. Mrs. Smith always repeat the quote that says "alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much".
Rest Time
Bonding with Community Partners
Bonding with Community Partners
I have to admit, it was a busy day at the museum. I had to take a break! Hey, a lion needs her rest so don't judge me :)
Visiting other schools
Hi there! I accompanied Mrs. Smith to Purcell Elementary here in Abilene. It was such an amazing experience talking to 5th grade students about Black History Month and sharing our passion for education and the role of science in our community. As Mrs. Smith encouraged the students, I also encourage you to continue to work hard. You never know where your influence may go!
Staffie visits austin, texas-our state capital
I went shopping. I picked out these cards for you. It has pictures of Austin on the back. I hope you like them!
I saw Mr. Cunha! He asked about what we are studying in class. He was so excited when I told him that we finally got to talk about the moon and the planets!
I met Mrs. Angela Maiers. She wanted me to tell you that you matter! You are a special person! There is no one else who is just like you!
I got to talk to Dr. Eric Thomas. He had a message for you. He wants you to work hard and be your best. Your education will change your life in amazing ways! You owe it to yourself to work hard so you can have a great future!