Christine Goodwin, Third-Grade Teacher at Primary Plus Elementary School (Amber), is a 2008 Outstanding Educator Nominee for San Jose Magazine

Chris Goodwin, a Third Grade teacher from Primary Plus Elementary School who has more than twenty-five years of experience, was nominated as the Outstanding Educator due to her creativity and energy she puts in her daily lessons. Chris is originally from England where she received her formal training prior to teaching ten years of elementary school in Nottingham and Darby. She attributes her creativity to her early training. She has been with Primary Plus for more than eleven years. According to Mary Lou Rodriguez, Primary Plus Elementary School’s Principal, Chris is very innovative, truly genuine, and still really enjoys teaching. “We are very lucky to have Chris here at Primary Plus!” adds Mary Lou.

Chris not only inspires her students with her interesting lesson plans, she is also the first to influence the other teachers and the Primary Plus curriculum. Mary Lou Rodriguez enthusiastically states that each year Chris always incorporates something new and innovative in her classroom, particularly in Art and Computers.

Studying various artists has been one of Chris’ passions. She introduced her students to Monet, Van Gogh, Michelangelo and more. She then had her students create drawings and paintings inspired by these artists and the results were truly amazing. Chris also works very hard to increase the relevance and excitement of the lessons. Most recently, she brought in teams from the San Jose Museum of Art and the Berkeley Repertory Theatre to share their experiences with the students.

When Chris is not in the classroom, she spends time with her family and outdoors. She loves to play tennis, ski, and hike. If Chris had to choose one lesson to teach her students, it’d be that things don’t always come easy so keep trying and you’ll get it in the end. She really practices what she preaches and is even starting to learn to wakeboard!

The full article and Chris’ photo will be featured in the September issue of the San Jose Magazine.

Media Contacts:
Cathy Jelic
408 244-1968 x16
cathy@actiondayprimaryplus.com