Friday, June 13, 2003

Gosa named Substitute Teacher of the Year

The Substitute Teaching Institute at Utah State University has named Colintha Gosa, a retired 32-year teacher who now substitutes in the Fulton County School System, as its 2003 Substitute of the Year.

Gosa began substituting in the Fulton system in August 1997, after retiring as a Business Education teacher in Delaware.She accepts substitute assignments almost daily, preferring to work with orthopedically handicapped and special needs students and primarily working in schools in South Fulton.

"This quiet, unassuming lady commands the respect and admiration of parents, students, administrators, and teachers," says Personnel Specialist Linda Coffey, who nominated Gosa for the award."We recognize her ability to cope with difficult classroom situations while keeping her focus on student achievement.Every student is special to her and she does whatever it takes to provide every student with the best possible learning opportunities."

Asked why, after 32 years as a teacher, she decided to go back into the classroom as a substitute, Gosa replied, "I do not do this to receive accolades.I do it because I believe the most beautiful thing in the world is to touch the heart of a child and to receive a precious and lasting reward of a smile, a hug, and an "I Love You, Mrs. Gosa."

Gosa admits that students today are not like those she taught more than 30 years ago.

"Today's youth are of the computer generation," she explains. "And if educators expect students to enter a classroom, sit up straight in a seat, be quiet and attentive, and soak up whatever subject matter we are trying to impart, they have created battles that they will surely lose."

To reach her youth, Gosa continues to explore creative ways to engage students, while maintaining discipline and showing as much love as possible to those in her care.

"As I continue to teach and to learn from the students I teach, it is my wish that all teachers, substitute and certified alike, remember that children are our most valuable resources," she says.

The Substitute Teaching Institute at Utah State University (STI/USU) is the nationwide leader in training substitute teachers with the skills they need to succeed in the classroom. Founded in 1995 at Utah State University, STI/USU conducts research in the best practices for substitute teaching and provides live and online training resources as well as the Substitute Teacher Handbook and the SubInstructor CD.