Nurturing style earns honor for teacher

Tapping into their curiosity is the key, the teacher said.

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Macedonian soldiers formed a human wall, aimed their deadly javelins at charging troops and cheered as Persian warriors fell, impaled on their enemies’ spears.

Taylor Fox turned from the classroom film about that battle, led by Alexander the Great. He skimmed his social studies book for more descriptions of the leader’s conquests.

Then, the Mechanicsburg Middle School seventh-grader wrote, in careful script: “Alexander the Great was the type who always wanted to go on and conquer more land.”

“Alexander married a Persian woman to make sure the army would not attack,” Taylor added.

He drew two stick figures. Above their heads, Taylor traced a heart. He folded the pages in half and slipped them into a book cover he designed.

History teacher Tanya Morret had assigned Taylor and her other pupils to compile ancient history lessons, then write a book about them for younger children.

It was just the kind of fun, engaging assignment Taylor has grown to expect from her.

And it’s an example of Morret’s style, which won her the distinction of being the 2007 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Bestowed by Teachers’ Insurance Plan, the award came with $1,000 for Morret and $500 for the school when she won.

Principal Len Ference, who nominated Morret, said Morret teaches students how to use higher-order thinking skills, and she has, through her 15 years at Mechanicsburg, emerged as a leader among staff.

Morret previously has been nominated for state and school district awards as well as for a Disney Channel teaching award.