Helen Clark named Upper Township teacher of the year
Written by Ann Richardson Wednesday, 22 June 2011 06:43
Educator: ‘We are creating the world of the future’
UPPER TOWNSHIP – Helen Clark’s days are filled with love and learning and what she calls “tiny sparks” in her heart. When a small group of students work collaboratively with the same goal in mind, when their eyes twinkle after mastering their times tables, when the words seem impossible and the chapters forever, but her determined young charges keep reading, the veteran teacher is thrilled.
“These are all successful habits that will be very difficult to break,” said Clark, a fourth grade teacher, who was recently named Teacher of the Year for 2011 for the Upper Township school district.
These special moments, she said, remind the kind and caring educator of why she became a teacher in the first place.
Day in and day out, she finds herself in a classroom with nearly two dozen motivated students. She always sets high standards for her students, challenging them to “go the extra mile.” One day a group spent over an hour trying to master a division concept that they knew would help them in the days ahead.
“Their motivation to succeed was a true sign that somewhere along the way they gathered that hard work pays off,” she said.
Great teachers, she said, light a lifelong curiosity, teaching students to solve problems like a scientist, write like a novelist, listen like a poet, see like an artist and observe like a journalist.
“I am proud of the smallest accomplishments I see every day, for they are the start of great things happening for our community,” she said. “I am proud to be part of a profession that makes a difference in so many lives. It is no surprise that the single biggest influence on student growth is the quality of the teacher standing in front of the classroom.”
Clark said she wanted to be a teacher “forever.” Teaching was her “lifelong passion” but it was not a great teacher who inspired her.
“For me it was quite the contrary,” she said, adding that she can still picture a poignant moment, when sitting in a classroom listening to “a few apathetic and disengaged teachers” in fifth grade, that it occurred to her.
“I could do a better job than this,” she recalled.
School was not something that came easy, she said. Clark had her own style of learning, something she tucked in her heart early on. It helped her become a better and more understanding educator.
“I soon realized that the key to my true potential was going to be a boost of confidence along with a learning environment filled with patience and love. That’s what guides me every day in the classroom,” she said.
Her internal motivation became obvious to those around her. By the time she entered North Penn High School she had committed herself to becoming “an outstanding teacher.”
She was born and raised in Lansdale, Pa. but spent every summer at the shore. She worked her way through Montgomery County Community College and West Chester University with a series of jobs at the Tuckahoe Inn, a restaurant down the street from her grandparents’ Beesleys Point home.
Teaching certificate in hand, she found a difficult economy in 1981 and spent a year substitute teaching before taking a job teaching in Linwood. Her dream of a teaching in Upper Township became a reality in 1985.
“I finally had a chance to make my true mark on this small community that I now call home,” said Clark.
“I am a firm believer in the old cliché, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’” she said. “Since I owe so much to the village that raised me the least I can do is pass it on and offer my services to my village.”
Clark married her long-time sweetheart Van Clark in 1981. The couple built their own home in Petersburg and raised two children, Brandon and Aubrey.
Clark has been active in the schools and the community, from Bingo Night to ice cream socials for students who achieve the honor roll. She participates in TECHSPO and other school events.
“I believe that community service is about giving back,” she said. “I have always provided my students with a variety of ways to make a difference.”
Clark’s students have created holiday art to be displayed in nursing homes and pediatric hospitals. They’ve donated books to children in Camden and participated in food drives for the local humane society.
“Community service brings out the best in us, it inspires hope in each other,” she said. “It’s important to make a difference in the life of another person and promote good will. It makes us all better citizens.”
Eleanor Roosevelt, Clark said, once said “It is today we must create the world of the future.” Clark said that helps remind her that she must always treat students – tomorrow’s good citizens - fairly, with kindness and respect.
“I’m an optimistic person,” she said. “My goal is to help all of my students reach their highest potential.”
Inspiring confidence goes a long way towards helping students feel comfortable with learning new concepts, she said. Some students bring a social attribute to the table, wile others offer the patience needed to help re-explain a complicated math concept to a classmate.
“I believe that one size does not fit all,” she said.
The first month of school is spent “getting to know” each student; getting off on the right foot means adapting to various learning styles. Textbooks are very useful but she also offers a “hands-on” approach that also integrates technology.
Clark began her career teaching first grade. She moved to third and fourth and for several years taught gifted and talented students and those in enrichment classes.
All were new adventures, she said, filled with challenges. Throughout, she said she embraced each new chapter. With the goal of creating independent life long learners, as “they were growing so was I,” she said.
“I have been very privileged to teach in a wonderful school district and I am very honored to have this award,’” Clark added. “I have been able to make a true mark on this community. If I had it all to do over, I would still choose that winding road that leads to the classroom door.”
While “Teacher of the Year” is a big accomplishment for Clark, she said her esteemed colleagues deserve a lot of credit too, for they are all making a difference in the lives of local children.
“We work hard to make Upper Township the school district that it is today and the teaching profession one that we are proud to serve every day,” she said.
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