Local Teacher Anna Boyd Selected for Prestigious Scholastic Teacher Fellow Program

Exciting News from Clinton: Local Teacher Joins Prestigious Program!

Clinton, where winter is growing colder, received a burst of warmth with the news of one of its own being selected for a significant national accolade. Anna Boyd, a dedicated sixth and eighth grade teacher at Brewer Middle School in District 50, has been chosen as one of only twelve teachers in the entire country to join the 2024-25 Scholastic Teacher Fellow Cohort. Now, that’s something to celebrate!

A Commitment to Education

Anna Boyd’s commitment to her students and education shines brightly. As Tara Welty, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Teaching Solutions at Scholastic, shared, Boyd was selected due to her vigorous efforts to weave her students’ lives and experiences into her lessons. “Her dedication to professional learning and her advocacy for equitable education truly set her apart,” Welty noted.

In a world where educational resources are evolving continuously, Boyd’s selection highlights how much Scholastic values educators who have real-life classroom experiences. Boyd joins this year’s cohort not only to enrich her own practice but also to contribute fresh insights into developing educational programs and resources.

Inspiring Beginnings

Growing up in Monroeville, Alabama—famed as the Literary Capital of the World—Anna was surrounded by a wealth of literary influence. Inspired by teachers like her fourth-grade Alabama history teacher, Mrs. Kay English, she cultivated a passion for literature and education early on. After obtaining her English degree from Huntingdon College in 2017, she began her teaching career in Alabama before moving to Clinton in 2019 and eventually joining Brewer Middle School.

Fostering Connection in the Classroom

One of the most heartwarming aspects of her journey is the sense of connection she feels at Brewer Middle School. “Everyone here is so dedicated to providing equitable learning opportunities,” Boyd remarked. This supportive environment undoubtedly fuels her passion, making her a more impactful educator.

A Vision for the Future

So, what does being a Scholastic Teacher Fellow entail? Boyd is set to collaborate with Scholastic’s teams to craft innovative educational programs and resources. She is particularly thrilled about creating a project that speaks directly to parents: a website showcasing the books their children read in class. Boyd describes this initiative as crucial in these times when discussions around educational materials can become heated. “I believe in transparency,” she said. “So parents can understand the context and purpose of what their kids are learning.

Books for Every Student

Boyd emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, advocating for diverse books that resonate with different backgrounds and experiences. “I want my students to see themselves in the stories they read,” she highlighted. With the generous $2,000 stipend and $500 worth of Scholastic products she receives as a fellow, her goals extend to expanding her classroom library to support her diverse student body even more.

Setting an Example

As a passionate advocate for education and a lifelong learner herself, Anna Boyd exemplifies the dedication and creativity that great teaching demands. With ambitions that include a significant capstone project and an eagerness to involve parents in their children’s education, she is ready to take this exciting step in her professional journey. “I really feel it’s important for teachers’ perspectives to be heard,” Boyd declared. “It’s needed, and I’m delighted to share that with Scholastic.”

Final Thoughts

As Clinton heads into colder months, the warmth brought by Anna’s achievements adds a spark to the community. Her selection as a Scholastic Teacher Fellow is a reminder of how dedicated educators transform lives actively. Here’s to Anna Boyd and her continued journey in enriching the lives of her students and the community!