Math, science teacher motivates class with daily pledge
BY KELSEY PALMER

Shinnitta Foreman (standing center), a fourth grade math and science teacher at Rusk Intermediate School, asks each student to recite a character pledge as they begin her class.

A good teacher provides students the instruction they need to master the concepts for a particular class. But, an exceptional teacher, one who goes above and beyond, inspires and supports students in order to find their greatest potential.

Shinnitta Foreman, a fourth grade math and science teacher at Rusk Intermediate School, knows what she teaches her students now will affect them after their school days are over.

"It's not just a job," she said, "These are our future leaders of America. I not only have to give them an education, I have to teach them about life."

Mrs. Foreman was raised in Oklahoma City, but later moved to Jacksonville where she met Tammy Wallace, a high school teacher who became Mrs. Foreman's personal role model.

"She was just awesome." Mrs. Forman said, "I knew if I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be a teacher just like her."

After graduating from Jacksonville High School, Mrs. Foreman attended college to pursue her dream and become a teacher.

While attending SFA at the age of 22, Mrs. Foreman discovered she was expecting a baby boy. In order to continue her education, her husband, Baraick Foreman, stopped his own college courses in order to care for his wife during her pregnancy.

"He also got a second job so I could complete school without having to work," said Mrs. Foreman. "If it wasn't for my husband, I wouldn't be a teacher today."

Mrs. Foreman completed her schooling and received her teaching degree from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth. She is currently in her third year teaching math and science at Rusk Intermediate School.

Shinnitta and Baraick's son is now seven years old and a student at Rusk ISD, but Mrs. Foreman likes to say she has 45 kids.

"My favorite part about teaching is the kids. I get excited about coming to work," she said, "Rusk Intermediate is wonderful. I'm just glad God placed me here."

Rusk ISD Superintendent, Dr. Jim Largent, said, "Mrs. Foreman always has a smile on her face. Students like her, parents like her. She's just a great role model for the community."

Though Mrs. Foreman has made an impact in the lives of many of her students, one in particular made a lasting impression on her. A young boy, Jordan, (not his real name), was placed in her room one year.

"He was diagnosed with all kinds of disorders and was labeled 'disruptive.'" said Mrs. Foreman, "He was smart. It was just his emotional side that kept him from learning."

Instead of placing Jordan in a corner when he misbehaved, Mrs. Foreman chose a different method.

"I would call him my shadow and he would have to follow me wherever I went," said Mrs. Foreman.

What was intended to be a form of discipline became a strong bond between teacher and student. Through Mrs. Foreman's request and involvement with the parents, Jordan was placed in a program where he is able to excel, regardless of his limitations.

"He is my all time favorite student," said Mrs. Foreman, "I will always remember him."

Debbie Welch, counselor at Rusk Intermediate, said, "Mrs. Foreman is very in-tune and very nurturing to all the students. She's a team player for the teachers and lifts everyone up."

On the first day of school, Mrs. Foreman's students are taught her own classroom pledge that they repeat after The Pledge of Allegiance. From that day forward, students pledge everyday to be creative and take pride in everything they do in and out of class.

"She addresses character through the pledge," said Mrs. Welch, "Mrs. Foreman has very high expectations of her students."

Mrs. Foreman said, "The kids seem to really enjoy it. Some days before we start our lesson they even have to remind me that we have to say it."

Mrs. Foreman is also deeply involved with the youth activities at her church, West Union Faith Ministry in Rusk, where she is the co-youth director.

"It's because of God that I am the teacher, the mother, the daughter and the wife that I am," said Mrs. Foreman, "Because without Him, I am nothing."