INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Claudette Monroe, Eagle's Nest Elementary

Claudette Monroe is a curriculum resource teacher, primary dean and ESOL compliance teacher at Eagles Nest Elementary School. As the curriculum resource teacher, she ensures all students and teachers have their academic resources, materials and plans, and she coordinates field trips. As the primary dean, she works with younger students and helps to teach them to follow the Code of Conduct and school rules. As the ESOL compliance teacher, she ensures students who speak another language are provided resources to assist them with learning in the classroom. 

“She is a staple in this school and has worked in education for 20 years and nine years at Eagle’s Nest,” Principal Faythia Brown-Carpenter said. “Ms. Monroe knows all of our students by name, and the parents and teachers know and trust her. She is a valued member of our staff and a jack of all trades. She is always on the go and works hard to support our students in her role and will volunteer to help in any way to further support our students. There are many days Ms. Monroe is working at the school beyond 5 p.m. to ensure her responsibilities are complete. Our staff appreciates her and all she does for our students.”

What brought you to your school?  

What brought me to this school was I wanted to learn more. I was a reading coach at another school prior to coming to Eagles Nest, but there was more to learn about intermediate curriculum, so I wanted to take on a classroom position in a Title I school teaching all subjects. I figured if I humbled myself to go back to the classroom to learn strategies (and) resources, (it would) help me gain a better understanding of teaching reading, writing, math, science and social studies. When it was time for me to step out of the classroom to be a coach, I built that relatability to know I've been in their shoes. During my classroom experience, I strived to build on the relationships to prepare me when I became a coach. My thoughts were if they trust me to know and understand what they are going through they would be more willing to listen to my advice. Then two years later an opportunity came when they needed an instructional coach, and I met all the requirements from taking courses from previous years. My faith and endurance prepared me to be ready this time for the challenge in leadership as a coach. 

What do you love most about your school? 

What I love most about our school are the traditions and coworkers. We've had several generations of families come through here over the years. They love our traditional turkey parades, families and friends joining us for Field Day. It is hard work but there are times we have fun. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Learning from teachers and students by assisting them to create a better life for themselves professionally, personally and educationally is rewarding. When people feel confident within themselves, they are willing to strive to meet their goals. Students do it with reaching higher to meet academic achievements. Parents do this by stopping at nothing to provide a better life and educational experience for their child. It is all truly rewarding to see they reach their true potential.   

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? 

Well, that is hard because ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher. Fortunately, for me I have taught children and adult students as well.

Who influences you? 

My family is a strong influence for me. They are strong, hard workers who came from the islands to make a life to give us more opportunities. Their strength and faith have made me the person I am today. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? 

My favorite teacher was my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Jacobs, when I attended Orlo Vista Elementary School. She was kind and encouraging to all of us to learn and be creative. 

What is your favorite children’s book and why? 

Oh wow, good but a hard question there are so many of them. When I was an instructional coach, I loved giving the book "First Day Jitters” to new teachers. When you read it, you thought it was about a kid scared of the first day of school, but it turned out to be the teacher. Yes, even grown adults have moments of fear to learn to overcome it and be brave. Also, I like “Alexander's Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day.” We all have bad days, but it is learning and growing from them that makes us a better and stronger person.  

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to travel with family or friends and do some scrapbooking. 

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to dine with Michelle Obama. She has gone through so much in her life and accomplished so much professionally and personally. As the former first lady, she spoke and implemented several initiatives that impacted several aspects of our society with women, children and health. As a woman, you would love to know what continues to motivate her, inspire her to continue to want more for our country and learn how she handles herself with grace and dignity in spite of adversity from others. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

That's a good one considering most of my colleagues believe I already have superpowers to handle so much. I guess Elastigirl from “The Incredibles” or cloning abilities. 

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

OK, it was hard to narrow it down to three because both of my parents love music, so we listened to a variety. However, based on your question, three words come to mind when I think of these artists: peace, spiritual, melodious. The artists are CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and India Arie.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student? 

Well, I am a product of OCPS and we had the best rectangle pizzas years ago that everyone loved. My favorite snack would be the Little Debbie snacks. Who did not love those treats?

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Christmas is my favorite because we have traditional American dishes, Jamaican dishes, (and) invite family, friends and others. We all come together to celebrate the reason for the season, family, joy, music and fellowship. It is the one time of year where everyone around the world comes together. 

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

In high school, one of my closest friends and I were on the track team together. She and I still talk and stay in touch with each and our families lives’ still today. Ironically, we both became educators in OCPS. 

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? 

In school high school, I was on the basketball team, track and field team, in student government and loved volunteering. At the end of high school, for my volunteering and dedication, I won an award and a scholarship.