By Crystal Hayduk
Called a “master teacher” by South Meadows Principal Stacie Battaglia, Andrea Bavineau is loved, admired, and respected by her students and colleagues.
In her 15th year in the Chelsea School District, Bavineau teaches fourth grade. “Developmentally, fourth grade students are at such a cool age,” said Bavineau. “It’s like the perfect window. Nine and ten year olds are naturally curious; they are really growing in relationships with their peers and becoming more independent. A teacher can be an instrumental part of their potential to grow in confidence in their studies.”
Bavineau grew up in Toledo, but always wanted to live in Michigan. Since Eastern Michigan University (EMU) offered in-state tuition to residents of Toledo, she took the opportunity to move north, earning her undergraduate degree with an early childhood endorsement. She went on to complete graduate studies with a master’s degree in reading from EMU as well.
As a reading specialist, it’s no surprise that Bavineau’s favorite subject to teach is language arts.
“Reading is a vehicle for learning everything else, and is a key to learning the content information for science and history,” she said.
Bavineau’s first job was in Monroe County, where she was invited to team teach in a fourth and fifth grade classroom. “My first teaching partner and I were a good philosophical match – she taught me a lot about the type of teacher I’ve become,” said Bavineau.
Now Bavineau is in the place of mentoring others, including student teachers, and working with other teachers to maximize the benefit to the students. “Team-teaching relationships challenge us to be better teachers,” Bavineau said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work and collaborate with Jenni Linde. We converse about curriculum and teaching methods.”
Ellie Mindick, who is currently student teaching under the supervision of Bavineau and Linde, said that she has learned how critical it is to understand students on an individual basis. Doing this helps the teacher find out how each one learns best,” said Mindick.
“Mrs. Bavineau and Mrs. Linde have shown me that providing constant feedback and support to each student will ensure that they feel appreciated, safe, and will create a productive and exciting learning environment for them,” Mindick explained.
Bavineau lives in Dexter with her husband, who is the athletic director for Dexter School District, their 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. “Living in Dexter and teaching in Chelsea make for some fun rivalry in our home,” said Bavineau, who admits to the need to balance rooting for her students with supporting her family.
Stacie Battaglia taught with Bavineau for several years before becoming principal, and one of her own children was a student of Bavineau’s. “It is humbling as an educator to have a classroom experience for your child where you see the quality and commitment that Andrea provides,” said Battaglia. “She does everything she can to assure the success of her students; not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. She teaches them compassion, accountability, and citizenship skills right along with math and reading.
“Andrea Bavineau is all about the kids,” Battaglia said.
Kids ask the teacher
From Emma H.: Who is your favorite children’s author?
Mrs. B.: My favorite children’s author is Kate DiCamillo. She is a fantastic story teller.
From Megan H.: What do you like most about teaching fourth grade?
Mrs. B.: The thing I like the most is seeing my students grow in confidence.
From Emma L.: What do you remember about your own fourth grade teacher the most?
Mrs. B.: I remember when she read aloud to us as a class.
From Selah S.: What was technology like when you were in fourth grade?
Mrs. B.: When I was an elementary student, watching film strips was a common use of technology.
