Kansas Master Teacher Lindsey Dowell

“I believe that each student has the potential to succeed and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, and, as their Gifted Facilitator, it is my role to facilitate their journey toward achieving their full potential,” she wrote.

To achieve this goal, Dowell aims to facilitate a safe and welcoming classroom where students feel safe expressing their thoughts, ideas and concerns.

“Students are more likely to actively participate in their learning if they feel connected to me and the gifted program,” she wrote. “I encourage open and respectful dialogue, enforce the value of diverse perspectives, and provide opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.”

Dowell believes that teaching should go beyond just imparting knowledge. As a gifted facilitator, her job is to guide students through educational experiences where they struggle and have to persevere.

“These experiences inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills,” she wrote. “By incorporating different teaching methods and resources, such as project-based learning, hands-on activities, and real-life applications, I strive to promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter while also growing my students’ social skills.”

Dowell’s students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. They are encouraged to develop independence and self-motivation through opportunities that force them to set goals, make choices and take responsibility for their academic process.

“Most of the time, my students aren’t even aware they are gaining these skills because they are invested in the project or task,” Dowell wrote. “While I cannot always guide what is happening in their general education classroom, I can help students develop resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenges by offering them enrichment opportunities.”

Dowell earned a bachelor of science from Kansas State University in 2006 and a master’s degree from Emporia State University in 2013.

Randi Stones, who has taught alongside Dowell for nearly 20 years said Dowell passes her passion for learning on to her students and is committed to making sure all her students are meeting their full potential.

“However, my most ringing endorsement comes because for the first time, I have a child in her program,” Stones wrote. “She has gotten my son excited about volunteering. And most especially, she has poured her heart and soul into him and all her students simply because they are in her class.”