Teacher Spotlight: Connie Colton

Connie Colton
Connie Colton

School: McMillan Magnet Center, Omaha Public Schools

How many years have you been teaching? "This is my 20th year at McMillan Magnet Center."

How has your Noyce MTF Experience been so far? "I am humbled to be part of such an amazing group of educators. Everyone in the group is talented and deeply dedicated to the profession and I am proud to be included in the group. There are so many different leadership activities going on among the NOYCE Fellows it is difficult to keep up. I believe the leadership that is developing from this group will truly impact the children of Nebraska."

Do you remember your favorite teacher? How did he or she inspire you? "I know this is horrible but I cannot remember her name, I only remember the impact she had on me. The class was entitled Problems of Democracy and the activity was researching natural resources for a classroom debate. When the project was concluded, everyone in the class understood just how precious our natural resources are and how much we needed to change the course of energy use on this planet. Because of this teacher, at least 150 students in my graduating class moved forward into life carrying the philosophy of recycle, reuse, and conserve long before the topic became popular."

What is your favorite thing about teaching? "The best part of teaching is seeing a young person change from not caring and feeling understanding was beyond their reach, to developing the work habits necessary to be successful in mathematics."

What's on your ipod? "This will definitely show my age, but Cher and Tina Turner get me through the grueling, hectic times. Nora Jones helps me unwind and relax. Tim McGraw and various other country artists make the day-to-day pace manageable."

What is your favorite TV show? "I don't have too much time to watch TV, but when I do, I like the Big Bang Theory. I also would like to say that my all-time favorite movie is The Replacements."

What is your favorite thing about Nebraska? "Hmmm.... I am not really sure- I suppose this is just a good place to raise a family. With 5 children and 6 grandchildren, I can't think of a better place to grow up."

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/rw4