September 8, 2005

Teacher of the Month

Sharon Hamid and student Janey Holm share a love of reading.

Sharon Hamid
Williams Elementary School

Sharon Hamid didn’t set out to be a teacher, but after volunteering at Graystone Elementary School, she knew she had found her calling.

In fact, Hamid was so inspired while assisting in her son’s second grade class, that she pursued a teaching credential at San Jose State University, and never looked back. “I just loved being in the classroom and realized this was what I wanted to do,” she says.

Realizing her dream, Hamid taught at Graystone Elementary School for four years before transferring to Williams Elementary School upon its reopening in 1991. “It was exciting being on the ground floor during the reopening of the school,” she says. “There were only six teachers, the principal, secretary and about 120 children. We were a close-knit little family. It was a wonderful experience.”

Today, Hamid, who has taught kindergarten through third grade for 17 years, continues to bring a natural enthusiasm to her profession. “I truly love what I do, and am truly glad to be here in the classroom,” she says. “One of my main goals is to get the kids waking up excited to go to school.”

Like Ms. Frizzle from the “Magic School Bus,” through her creativity, Hamid instills a love of learning in her students by bringing subjects to life.

During the course of the school year, her classroom is transformed into a series of colorful animal habitats, populated by flora and fauna designed by her students. Lush leaves and vines snake along the walls as students learn about the rainforest and an impressive saguaro cactus grows to scale (incorporating math skills) during their desert segment. In choosing an animal to sketch and paint for their plains habitat, students pour over photographs taken in the African savannah, by a friend of Hamid’s.

Hamid doesn’t hesitate to approach subjects on a mature level with her students. “I love to lead the children where they can discover new things,” she says, “and to see them smile.”

Having specialized in history and art history at Berkeley, where she received her bachelor of arts degree, Hamid puts her knowledge in these areas to good use, sharing them with her class.

In exposing her students to painting, she displays masterworks and utilizes a color wheel to illustrate primary and secondary colors. As her class prepares to paint sunflowers, for example, they study Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” as well as live subjects. “First graders are not inhibited in their artwork,” says Hamid. “I love letting them create.”

Globes of varying sizes, including a globe-shaped cookie jar, also decorate the classroom, and sit upon every student’s desk, making the concept of countries and continents accessible. “I love geography,” says Hamid, “so I bring a lot of it into the classroom, as well as Social Studies. We study where we are in the world, how we relate to each other and what a difference we can make as individuals.” Hamid believes that introducing these concepts and vocabulary to her students now will aid them in mastering them in higher grades.

“It’s amazing what first graders will absorb,” says Hamid. “It’s exciting to see the light bulb go on and watch it click.”

Students take part in two performances during the school year. In the spring, they sing to their parents, as well as participate in a musical, “Rumpus in the Rainforest,” which tells a story about a little tree frog who, yearning to see the sky, asks other animals about it along his way.

An avid reader, Hamid conveys this joy to her students. “We read all the time,” she says. “I truly love it and the children pick up on that.” To make reading special, she created a cozy reading corner for her class, complete with a giant stuffed teddy bear to lean upon. Characters such as Curious George and the Cat in the Hat join her collection of dragons and smaller teddy bears in welcoming the children.

Parties are another enjoyable learning experience for first graders at Williams Elementary School. On Clifford’s birthday, students create an accordion book of Clifford’s body, create his family tree, book covers, book marks and even a headband with floppy ears. On Winnie-the-Pooh’s birthday, children taste honey and write their reactions to it, make Winnie-the-Pooh shaped pancakes, write him a birthday card and read stories. They also celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, wearing slippers and pajamas to school, as well as Mickey Mouse’s and various author’s birthdays.

No matter what the subject, Hamid loves working with her students. “It brings me joy to watch them discover what they can do,” she says. “First graders are amazing and so willing to try. They’re not afraid to learn.”

One of Hamid’s students from last year, Janey Holm, submitted a letter about Hamid to the Almaden Times nominating her for Teacher of the Month.

“Janey is kind-hearted. She loves learning and being at school,” says Hamid. “She was happy to be here from day one and excited about learning new things. You couldn’t ask for a nicer little girl.”

Hamid hopes that her students retain a love of learning, a love of school and self-confidence, so that even if they don’t know the answers, they will have the skills to know how to find them.

—By Lorraine Gabbert

My favorite teacher
By Janey Holm

My teacher is Mrs. Sharon Hamid at Williams school.

I am in first grade. Mrs. Hamid is a nice teacher and she makes it fun when we have to be good. She loves teddy bears. We have parties once in awhile. She is very artistic. We do plays. You have to sit quietly when it is not your turn. When it is your turn to talk, you have to speak loudly. We learned math and to read better.

My teacher likes hugs.

We learned about rain forests. Did you know that chocolate grows in the rain forest in a special plant called the cacao bean? We also learned about the saguaro cactus in the desert. Did you know that cacti are useful when they are dead and alive? And that animals make their homes in the cactus?

I like my teacher.

Who’s your favorite teacher?
Is there a special teacher who has made learning fun, helped you with a problem or is just plain terrific? Maybe someone who fostered a love of reading or explained fractions in an innovative way? If so, the Almaden Times Weekly would like to hear from you. In a short essay (200 words maximum) tell us about the special teacher in your life (mom or dad can give you a little help if necessary). Be sure to include your teacher’s name, the school where they teach, the grade, your name, grade and phone number.

If your essay is chosen for the Almaden Times Weekly’s Teacher of the Month, you and your teacher and your class (a maximum of 30 people), will be treated to a special Teacher of the Month party at Baja Fresh, located at 1008-H Blossom Hill Rd. Send your essay by e-mail to newsroom@timesmediainc.com, by fax to 494-7078 or by mail to Almaden Times Weekly, 1310 Tully Road, Ste. 107, San Jose, CA 95122.