Alumna Tiffany Musa was named a “Teacher of the Future” by the National Association of Independent Schools. A teacher at St. Anne’s School of Annapolis, she was one of 20 educators nationwide to receive the honor. The distinction is given to teachers who use environmental sustainability, globalism, equity and justice, and technology in their teaching.
“These are teachers that are doing something a little different or have that adventurous spirit that are going to lead other teachers into more innovative approaches in teaching,” said Myra McGovern, senior director of public information at NAIS.
For Musa, the recognition is an honor.
“I’m really enjoying working with the teachers that are part of the program from all over the country and networking with them, getting to know not only what they’re doing in the classroom, but sharing what I’m doing, as well,” she said.
Since getting news of her selection, Musa has launched blogs on technology and taken part in discussions with other teachers who received the distinction. A video she is working on also will show how to incorporate technology into the classroom. Her lessons also stress cooperation among students.
“It’s not just students sitting in front of a computer,” she said. “They’re working together in small groups to have that social interaction.”
Musa has been at St. Anne’s for eight years. She’s the middle school program director, sixth grade humanities teacher and lower school technology teacher at the school, which has about 200 students. She graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland and received a master’s degree in education from Syracuse University.
When she was looking for a place to teach, she wanted to find a place that not only focused on education, but the social development of children, she said. “I really feel like this is what we as educators should be doing,” Musa said.
Her work at the Episcopal school hasn’t gone unnoticed. Head of School Lisa Nagel nominated Musa for the award. “Tiffany’s seamless use of technology and integrated approach to humanities encourages students to think beyond the four walls of their classroom, examine multiple perspectives and share ideas in new ways,” Nagel said.