Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Lori Ulmer
HENDERSON, Tenn. — Lori Ulmer has been teaching for twelve years, and this is her third year teaching kindergarten at East Chester Elementary School. “I love teaching kindergarten because it’s the beginning,” Ulmer said. “I have taught other grades but to me kindergarten, this is their first time in school. I mean, we’re setting a foundation for the rest of their education.” Teaching has been a part of her life from a young age, which led her to education as a career. “I started at 16 teaching Sunday school for my daddy. He’s a pastor. From then on, early on, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” Ulmer says she tries making her classroom fun and keeps her students busy so they stay focused. “I want them to be excited and love learning. We give treats and we color. We make letters with our bodies, we play with shaving cream,” she said. “We have no down time. We work, work, work, and they enjoy school.” She says keeping her students active helps her students to love learning. “I want them to love school,” she said. “When they get out of their car each morning, I want them to say ‘I’m so happy to be at school, I can’t wait to see my teacher.'” Ulmer says her favorite part about being an educator is teaching students to read. “It’s so exciting and they’re so excited about what they’re doing. When they read their first sentence without any help, they’re just ready to learn, ready to take off.” Ulmer will now be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. To vote for her or any of the other nominees, go to seehowitaddsup.com. To nominate a teacher for the WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News weekly award, email educator@wbbjtv.com.
