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Whitehouse science teacher finds formula for success
"My wedding business and Camp Tyler will be my two passions," said Hood, adding with a smile, "other than family, of course." Hood is an advocate of the residential camp program. She serves on the board and was a proponent of having Whitehouse fifth-graders participate. "I want to keep the Whitehouse connection with Camp Tyler. It's difficult because it depends a lot on volunteers, and children have to pay to go. There's a lot of fund-raising that goes into it," explained Hood, adding that Whitehouse students have attended the past five years. Hood's three years as a science teacher (she taught language arts prior to that) made her an even bigger fan of Camp Tyler. "A residence camp emphasizes math and science, and the hands-on learning aspect goes hand in hand with those subjects. And it's enhanced by nature; that's the best place to teach." Hood has gotten her share of hands-on learning lately, in the role of wedding planner. Hood and partner Cher yl Fisher (another WISD employee) have set up shop at Hood's home, a restored 1905 Victorian. Hood's husband built a veranda large enough for 180 people, making their "Victoria's Station" the perfect place for an outdoor wedding or reception. "There are not that many places in East Texas for an outdoor wedding," said Hood, who was encouraged to adapt her home by a friend who owns Roseland Plantation and also belongs to a club for owners of older homes. With Hood as wedding planner (she is a certified bridal consultant) and Fisher as floral designer, the pair are eager to see their business develop. "We have done three weddings and have more booked," said Hood, speaking with an enthusiasm that must have served her well in the classroom (not to mention as a former Whitehouse High School cheerleader). " Yes, I'm a homegrown to- mato, and I love it," she said with a laugh. "I was born and raised in Whitehouse and so were my parents." "I just love Whitehouse," Hood said, laughing and pointing out that she still sounded like a cheerleader, even at 57. Hood received her degree from the University of Texas at Tyler, majoring in reading and science. She went back to finish college on the day her youngest child started kindergarten; the two did homework together after school. Before coming to Whitehouse, she taught Gifted & Talented language arts at Tyler's Rice Elementary for four years. Her 19 years at Whitehouse give her the service time needed to retire. "I've reached the magic 80 (age plus teaching years). It's time," she said, professing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren and travel more. Hood said the biggest change she has seen during her career is the focus on state mandates and test-driven curriculum. For a teacher who feels one of her best attributes is her sense of humor, that makes a difference. "We can't do as much of the fun extension things as we used to do," she said, citing the dinner theater program she employed as an English teacher as an example. "I want to make learning fun and teach the way I'd want to be taught," said Hood, who sports a brightly-colored lab coat that is a favorite with her students. Co-worker Jenny Wallace, who teaches sixth grade science honors classes, said Hood's approach has worked with her fifth-graders, and TAKs scores are up. "I think that's why so many (of Hood's students) want to take honor classes in sixth grade," said Wallace. "She's an excellent person and teacher and a wonderful person to work with. I wish she wasn't leaving." Despite these changes, Hood said her favorite part of being a teacher remained the same over the years. "When the kids come back from high school or college, or send cards, and tell you that you made a difference, that you're the teacher who turned them on to education -- that's my very favorite." |
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