Sit five minutes in Rebekah Lester’s music class and it’s clear the Tillman Elementary teacher loves what she does.
Now, the Manatee County elementary music teacher is being recognized by Gov. Rick Scott.
Her students say she’s fun. The vice principal calls her determined. It's clear she "shines" at Tillman.
“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t get eager to see their shiny faces and to come and be their teacher.” Lester said.
Her students share that same love.
“She is nice and sweet.” says 7-year-old Jose Carlos.
Lester incorporates reading and math in her music lessons.
“We talk about rhythm and beat and we count out things and we make correlations through comparing and making judgments.” Lester said.
This makes learning fun for the students sayid 7-year-old Kaimel Johnson.
“Its very exciting because there is a lot of noise and you get to do a fun activity," Kaimel said.
Assistant principal Ruby Zickafoose says Lester’s dedication makes her stand out.
“Through music, she makes them express how they feel and love learning. She’s just really an absolutely, extraordinary, person who gives so much time and energy to her profession,” says Zickafoose.
Lester’s hard work is being recognized on the state level. Tuesday, Scott will present her with a “Shine Award” for her excellence in teaching.
“I cried for probably the first hour. My children said, 'mom, what’s wrong what’s wrong?' I said, 'Oh, these are tears for joy.' ” Lester said.
Tuesday, Lester will travel to Tallahassee to attend the governor’s Cabinet meeting, where she will be recognized and receive her award. Lester says she will express to Scott the importance that music and art plays on child development.