Ms. Karen Crews is an exemplary teacher.  She has worked with our third grade students for the past five years as the mathematics and social studies teacher.  According to the test data, our third grade students have made remarkable increases on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FACT).  Ms. Crews teaches her students to evaluate their study habits, make goals and try harder so that they can achieve their goals.  She strongly believes that students at Barbara Hawkins Elementary need a repertoire of strategies, which they know, understand and can apply. 

Ms. Crews’ philosophy of teaching shows in her classroom practices on a daily basis.  She believes every student should receive a quality education.  She realizes what a tremendous responsibility it is to teach our future citizens to become an asset to society.  Her print-rich classroom is filled with vibrant colors that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where all learners are actively engaged in education.  Karen Crews is driven by compassion, dedication and her nurturing character.
 

Linda J. Foltz is Barbara Hawkins’ Rookie Teacher of the Year.  She is currently in her third year of teaching Music at our school. 

Her teaching philosophy is a very simple one that is based on an old familiar saying, “Music is a universal language”.  She believes that music is the one area in the public school classroom that can be presented, learned and appreciated no matter what language barriers, cultural background or personal preferences that students may have.  Music has a way of crossing all obstacles when it comes to learning its basic foundations and has a strong appeal, which will draw in most students. 

Music has always been an integral part of Mrs. Foltz’ life.  She also has a strong desire to always encourage and to uplift people, especially through music.  At the age of 5, she began taking private piano lessons, and during her elementary and middle school years went on to playing the clarinet, violin and organ.  Mrs. Foltz became well known in her community for her musical talent, playing and singing for many people and programs both in school and in church.

She is married to a fellow Miami-Dade County Music Teacher; they have three wonderful children, and currently operate a private music lesson studio from their home.  They frequently perform for weddings, church programs and special events.

Mrs. Foltz loves to be able to give back to her students the same passion, pride and positive attitudes for music that were instilled in her during her early education years.  She will continue to strive daily to help shape our students‘academic and social goals and to help our students to realize their individual life’s dreams through their music classes, members of the BHE chorus or as they participate in the wonderful musical programs she directs.