This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Roxane Winston at Centennial High School in Peoria, AZ. Their nominator wrote:
“Roxane brings a burst of sunshine and positivity everywhere she goes. She loves her kids with a passion and goes above and beyond to put each of them in a position to be successful. Her energy and enthusiasm for impacting the lives of her students is evident in everything that she does. Roxane is the epitome of what a Renaissance educator is all about and she is beyond deserving of this special recognition.”
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
About four years!
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment was attending JRNC in Orlando! Being able to be around like-minded educators who truly believe in the power of loving our students and empowering them to be their best opened my eyes to how incredible Renaissance could be! My favorite on-campus Renaissance activity is we purchase red, white, and blue (our school colors) flower leis for every one of our graduating seniors. We know that some kiddos may not have a supportive adult at home, and we want to be sure that we celebrate every student that makes it across that stage!
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
For some students, through Renaissance is the first time they have ever been recognized at school by finding their name on the birthday board and to me, that is what is most important: making sure every student is seen, heard, and loved. It’s a little step, but an important one!
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance came into my life at one of those times that I was questioning my own “why” and every time I have a moment where I wonder if I’m doing the right thing, I remember that my reason is the kids in my room. I am here to provide a safe space for any student that finds their way to me, whether they are in my class, have friends in my class, or happen to walk through my hallway each day when I hold the door open for my kids. They become my sunshine, and they are the reason I do what I do. Renaissance constantly reminds me of that.
Renaissance also provided me with some incredible educator friends that I cannot imagine navigating this wild world without! Having someone like PC to reach out to when I am personally struggling has expanded my circle so much and I am eternally grateful to this program for helping to create those bonds!
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
You will hear ALL THE THINGS that Renaissance can do for your school and it will be incredibly overwhelming because, as the incredible educator you are, you will want to implement everything. It’s just not possible. Start slow, pick a couple of ideas and make sure those are effective and running smoothly before you even consider something else additional to what you are doing. If it doesn’t work the way someone else did it, that is OKAY. The purpose is to make your campus the best it can be! And if at all possible, attend the Global conference. It is absolutely unbelievable!
Ms. Winston will receive a tote bag and a lapel pin to recognize her achievement.
