Above and beyond. This simple phrase has been repeatedly used to describe our teacher of the month, Christina Milburn.
“I’ve seen this particular teacher go above and beyond, not only for my child, but every child she interacts with,” shared Pamela Hunnicutt during nominations. “There isn’t one school activity or function I don’t see her at or she hasn’t already volunteered for!”
Mrs. Milburn is a first-grade teacher at Pearl Haskew Elementary School in Irvington. This is her third year teaching first grade and she believes this is the grade level where her heart belongs.
“When 9/11 happened, I was in first grade. My mom was in the military and she was called to duty. I went from living with my mom in Delaware to living with my dad and stepmom in Pennsylvania. I do not remember much from that time, but I do remember my teacher… her kindness and the emotional support she ensured I received. I knew since then I wanted to be a teacher,” shared Mrs. Milburn. “When I reached high school, that goal was solidified. I had a very special teacher who engraved love and compassion into my life during a difficult time. From that moment on, I was determined to become a teacher and make a difference in children’s lives.”
Mrs. Milburn graduated from Springhill College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently continuing her own education by working on her National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts.
“The number one rule in my classroom is kindness. You have to be kind to others, as well as yourself,” Mrs. Milburn shared. She is also very passionate about her students knowing and understanding the power of the word ‘yet’.
“When my students say they can’t do something, I always tell them they haven’t mastered it…yet.”
Her favorite teaching moment so far stems from this classroom expectation.
“One time, we were doing math and a child was struggling. Out of defeat, they said loudly, “I can’t do this problem.” Automatically, another child stood up and said, “You just can’t do it yet! Try again! I’ll help you,” shared Mrs. Milburn. “Every time I see my students take something I teach them and apply it, my heart flutters.”
Christina Milburn and her husband Jordan have two children together, Jase (8) and Zane (3). When Christina isn’t following her passion as a teacher, she truly just enjoys being in the presence of her family. They bring her the most joy.
