Campus Life

UWF alumna named top teacher in the state

Walking into the classroom of miniature desks and chairs, it might not initially be apparent that lives are being transformed between the four walls. But, as the school bell rings and her students bound through the door, it's obvious that something special happens in Lenora Shilston's classroom. Whether she's creating finger puppets, hatching butterflies or answering the never-ending questions of inquiring young minds, Shilston's love for teaching is more than visible in the captivated eyes of her students. Demonstrating a constant drive to help her students grow and succeed, it's no wonder the University of West Florida alumna was named Florida Teacher of the Year.

Walking into the classroom of miniature desks and chairs, it might not initially be apparent that lives are being transformed between the four walls. But, as the school bell rings and her students bound through the door, it’s obvious that something special happens in Lenora Shilston’s classroom. Whether she’s creating finger puppets, hatching butterflies or answering the never-ending questions of inquiring young minds, Shilston’s love for teaching is more than visible in the captivated eyes of her students. Demonstrating a constant drive to help her students grow and succeed, it’s no wonder the University of West Florida alumna was named Florida Teacher of the Year.

“It’s an incredible feeling to get to teach students at this stage in their lives,” said Shilston. “I get to help set the tone of how they feel about education. They truly are little sponges and every day I get to watch the lights come on for them as they start to grasp what they’re learning.”

The Bellview Elementary School kindergarten teacher was named Florida Teacher of the Year by the Florida Education Association, winning a $5,000 prize and being recognized for her 36 years of teaching, inspiring and fostering the dreams of her students. Shilston, who earned a master’s degree in elementary education with certification in early childhood education and English from UWF, credits the university with providing her the tools to inspire future leaders and also giving her an edge in teaching with technology.

“I really got bit by the computer bug early and taught technology workshops to K-12 teachers in the county when educators were starting to incorporate computers in the classroom,” said Shilston. “The professors at UWF always took the time to help, and the courses that I took truly gave me the confidence that I needed to implement in my classroom and also in teaching my peers.”

Whether her class is writing letters and drawings to the soldier they ‘adopted’ in Iraq or participating in the Pensacola Pelican’s Reading Challenge, Shilston strives to make every day an interesting one for her students. Going with them to their music, physical education and arts classes, she is always by their sides, whether they’re painting letters or playing kickball.

“To be a teacher, you really have to love it,” said Shilston. “It has to be your passion. They need 100 percent of you all day and every day.”

Understanding the connection between home life and performance in the classroom, Shilston makes sure that she not only has a relationship with her students, but also their families.

“I am a big advocate of getting parents involved and getting them to feel valued, so they can feel part of it all since they play an integral role in their children’s education,” said Shilston.

Coming from a family of educators, Shilston finds inspiration from her mother, who has always guided her throughout her teaching career. She hopes that the love for learning that was instilled in her resonates with her students as they grow and continue their educational journeys.

For more information about UWF’s Teacher Education program, visit uwf.edu/education.

By Megan Tyson, University Marketing Communications