ORLANDO, Fla. — A+ Teacher Debby Gorney says it’s not just reading, writing and arithmetic that students need as they head back to school.
She is highlighting all of the skills students can take away from their time in the class, and underscoring the importance of a good education.
“I really feel the social skills, learning to get along, learning to problem solve, learning how to talk to each other, how to ask for help when you need help and then getting yourself prepared for whatever you want to do in the next grade level,” said Gorney, who teaches fourth grade at Pershing School in Orlando.
Gorney said her career in the classroom brings her a lot of joy.
“I love the kids and the families,” she said. “And I just love that there’s something different every day. It’s never the same thing.”
She’s been teaching for more than two decades — some of that time was spent in New York, where she taught physical education and coached students, and shared the important knowledge needed inside and outside of the classroom.
“So, skills that you need to prepare yourself for whatever avenue you’re going to pursue, so even students who are athletes who feel like they want to use athletics to advance themselves, they’re going to need their academics because you’re a student athlete before you’re an athlete,” she said.
Gorney said teaching has changed over the years.
“Everything is so fast,” she said. “We do math. There’s, like, a new skill every day. There’s not a lot of practice time. You know, there’s a lot of expectations on you — the content and testing. Less time. More demands.”
Gorney said there’s nothing like seeing her current and former students grow up. She said their reaction to her makes her feel like a rock star.
“You’re kind of like walking through the cafeteria dropping kids off and they’re up in the hall and they’re like, ‘Ms. Gorney!’ and they run up, and you know you made an impact,” she said.