What sets The Donoho School apart is our faculty. These individuals provide the living curriculum for Donoho students in and out of the classroom. Each week we will feature a member of the faculty and his or her story. We hope you will enjoy getting to know our faculty members throughout the school year and will stop by each week to read the latest Donoho Story!
Donoho Stories: Ms. Cathi Thurston
What do you teach at The Donoho School?
I teach Pre-K3.
What do you love about The Donoho School?
I love the atmosphere at the school. From the youngest student to the oldest student, there is an excitement about learning. The teachers are excited to teach and the students are excited to learn. That is something you will not find at every school.
Why do you like teaching at The Donoho School? What motivated you to become a teacher at The Donoho School?
I have taught in several local schools and I have not always seen the greatest examples of teaching and learning. The expectations for teachers and students are high at The Donoho School. I like being challenged to develop a curriculum that prepares students to become lifelong learners.
My first experiences at Donoho were as a caregiver bringing children to school at Donoho. I developed relationships with the teachers and administration. I have been a substitute teacher, an aide, a student-teacher and a teacher at The Donoho School. I have been encouraged in every position that I have held at The Donoho School.
What is a unique experience, talent, or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?
My friends nicknamed me the “google” girl because I will research and look up just about anything. I love to look for new, exciting, and interesting ways to teach the students. I believe that teachers should always be students. I strive to make sure my students are meeting their learning goals but then I like to take it that next step. I try to find the interesting fun lessons that you would not get in an average classroom.
What sets Donoho students apart from students in other schools?
It is simple. Donoho students are here to learn. There is an excitement for learning at The Donoho School that I have not seen in other schools. The support that the parents give the students and teachers is like nothing I’ve seen at any of other school. That support is critical to the students learning and the teachers teaching.
The Donoho School tagline is ” Discover the Difference”. How do you accomplish this in your role at Donoho?
I am always searching for ideas that are engaging to the students. I grew up moving and traveling as a child. I have grown to love the cultures and traditions of many different groups of people. This year the favorite thing we do is travel to a different country or region of the United States each week which corresponds to our letter of the week. They love getting their “passports” and traveling. Students need to be familiar with different nationalities and customs. Donoho has such a rich diversity which is an incredible asset in the classroom.
What do you want your students to gain from having known you?
I want every student to develop a love for learning. I want my students to be excited about learning. I try to plan lessons that will engage the students. I think that is accomplished by getting to know every student. What motivates one student may not motivate another. Every student is an important part of the class. Each student has something to offer the class. Motivation and encouragement help build that love of learning that I hope they carry with them the rest of their life.
Ms. Thurston received her B.A. and M.S. from Jacksonville State University. She taught preschool at The Children’s Place in Anniston for eighteen years and has also worked training early childhood educators for childcare management agencies. She has a passion for teaching and learning. Ms. Thurston resides in Jacksonville and has a fur baby named Toby.
