J. Allen Axson Upper Level Teacher of the Week

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- We received so many Teacher of the Week nominations from J. Allen Axson Montessori School, we couldn't pick just one. So we went back to the school and this time Upper Level Teacher Stephanie Durham is our Teacher of the Week.

When students start class in Ms. Durham's room, they all head in different directions around the room. Some go to a desk. Others are on the floor. "We are free to sit anywhere unless we've been bad," said 4th grader Hayley Spring.

As a Montessori Upper Level Teacher, Durham spends a lot of time teaching, not in front of a chalk board or in front of the classroom, but on the floor working with individual students.

Her classroom is unique. She has classical music playing in the background and since there are both 4th and 5th graders in her class, the older students often help the younger ones.

Some students are doing science projects, while others are working on math, reading, or even art; and she is tough.

"I have high standards and high expectations. A lot of parents know that about me. I believe in success and giving 110 percent," said Durham.

She may be tough, but she gets results and the students love her. "I was with her last year and my parents and I love her. She's the sweetest teacher ever and she has a way of connecting with us," said Hayley.

The parent who nominated Ms. Durham for Teacher of the Week wrote, "She is highly devoted to the school...and she inspired my son to improve his reading from barely grade level to four grades higher when he had her in 2nd grade."

Stephanie Durham just moved up from teaching 1st through 3rd last year to teaching 4th and 5th graders this year.

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