Gwen Desselle, 2009-2010 GA Teacher of the year, visited Valdosta State’s campus Wed. Nov. 18 from 2 t0 3 p.m. Speaking at the VSU Education Center, Desselle shared some insights into her career in order to encourage future teachers from VSU. Over 100 students and many professors attended the talk.
Desselle earned three degrees from VSU and started her own teaching career at Valdosta High School. She now works at a history professor at GA State University. She shared great tips for the upcoming graduates in Education at VSU. She spoke about her experiences at Valdosta High School and how future teachers might learn from her mistakes and accomplishments.
“I am so glad she came. I graduate in December and I will be starting my first job as soon as I graduate. A lot of the information I received today will help me become the teacher I will be in the future,” Adely Mason, senior early childhood education major, said.
Desselle also told funny stories about teaching at schools with no walls, and getting in trouble for literally throwing textbooks away. “If you break down the word ‘textbook,’ I will tell you what it really means. ‘Text’ is what students do on their phones all day, and the closest ‘book’ they get to is Facebook,” she joked.
Desselle also passed out candy, but assured her audience that she was not there to bore them or “sweet talk” them with candy, but to give helpful advice and hopefully help upcoming Education graduates.