Position: Special Education Teacher
School: Sewanee Elementary School
School District: Franklin County School District
City, State: Sewanee, TN
Anna Mullin was nominated by a colleague, Kathryn Bruce.
Three words that describe Ms. Mullin are positive, dedicated, and exceptional. Ms. Mullin has served as the Special Education teacher at Sewanee Elementary School since 2023. Through her positive interactions with students, dedication to meeting their needs, and excellent individualized instruction, she has enabled students to amaze themselves, their families, and their teachers.
Not only does Ms. Mullin excel as a teacher, but she also provides leadership to the entire faculty by contributing her knowledge of reading development, mathematical skills foundations, and experience with working with a wide range of students with learning challenges. Two examples spring to mind which illustrate the life-changing results of her teaching.
A first-grade student had been away from traditional school since the COVID-19 crisis when he returned to Sewanee Elementary School. This student is on the autism spectrum. In addition to the challenges of adjusting to being among a classroom of peers, he presented with significant reading deficits, including letter formation, decoding unfamiliar words, and writing legibly. With patience, consistency, and knowledge of explicit reading instruction, this student went from saying, "I can't," to "Hey, can I read this to you," in eight months -- just one school year. He has grown in confidence in his reading and writing abilities. And most importantly, he has learned that he can do hard things, which has reduced his outbursts and has made for some tremendous growth.
Similarly, a third-grade student could not form his name or identify the correct letters or shapes of such letters. Today, he has developed the ability to read independently at a grade level below and write his thoughts, feelings, and answers to questions on grade-level assignments. This remarkable transformation has happened during his two years of work with Ms. Mullin.
Both students are in an inclusive classroom most of the day, only working with Ms. Mullin for 45 minutes daily. However, the students have demonstrated amazing academic and personal growth through her dedication and belief in their potential.