Annette Stojcevich grew up in Dearborn Heights and went to school there from preschool through 12th grade. Her parents immigrated from North Macedonia, making her and her brother first-generation Americans. They both had EL support in elementary school.
Stojcevich attended Eastern Michigan University followed by Marygrove College for her master’s degree. She has been at Abbot for her entire teaching career of 17 years. She enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and ways of life and loves to read, practice yoga, create, and garden.
Principal Stephan Hogan says Stojcevich is a skilled teacher who always seeks ways to connect with students.
“She brings enthusiasm to her classroom every day,” says Hogan. “One day, I walked into her room and found her working with a group of students on the floor, building their confidence in their reading. The students were excited to have her work with them, and she was happy to go to a place where they felt comfortable and confident. That is what she does every day; she goes to whatever lengths are necessary to ensure her students are confident, comfortable, and successful.”
What inspired you to become a teacher, and what keeps you passionate about education?
So many people have inspired me to become a teacher. From my grandfather who instilled the importance of education from an early age, to the teachers who took the time to help me when I was too shy to advocate for myself. Finally, my own children and my students keep me passionate. I hope to be a part of their life that feels safe and inspiring.
How would you describe your teaching philosophy, and how do you incorporate it into
your daily lessons?
I believe that students need to have their basic needs met before they are able to learn well. I know that all students can learn with the right environment and attention. Students who feel safe take risks and ask questions, explore, and are willing to make mistakes that they can learn from. I also believe that children should have fun! I try to incorporate fun activities to help students learn. I have been teaching for a while now, and even though a lot has changed since I started teaching, kids have always learned best by doing and having fun!
Any tips for classroom management?
Get to know your students. They have to know that you really care about them and they can spot a fake person in no time! I have come to realize that misbehavior is connected to a need not being met and I try to figure out how I can help. Sometimes they just need to vent and don’t really want you to do anything. They just need someone to listen. I think my students know that I have high expectations for them but I am kind, fair, and consistent at the same time.
How do you differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of your students?
In order to make the information accessible and engaging for all students I use music, art, games, movement, and examples, and provide opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways. Every class is different. Some classes like to act out what they know, and others like to play games or create slideshows. I get to know the students and provide learning that works for them.
Can you share a particularly successful lesson or project that you’ve implemented in your classroom? What made it successful?
Recently, the students read a chapter in a historical fiction novel. To recall the events in the chapter, the students worked in small groups to create a tableau act. Each group came up to act out their scene in order and it really brought the story to life.
How do you build relationships with your students, especially those who may be
struggling?
Every morning I check in with each student. I make sure that every student hears me say their name and hears a positive greeting before we start doing anything else. I also enjoy eating lunch with the students. You really get to know a student while eating lunch together.
What do you like about working at AAPS, and at Abbot in particular?
Abbot is family. We all look out for each other and our students. There is something special about Abbot that I can’t put into words. This includes our staff, Abbot families, and our students. Once an Abbot All-Star, always an Abbot All-Star!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?
Teach the students the way you would want your own children to be taught or the way you wish you were taught. Slow down if you need to. It’s okay if you take a break and spend extra time going over something, even if it takes you off schedule.
How do you measure student success beyond standardized test scores?
How they cope with setbacks. I look for growth in all areas, social and academic. When I see that a student is feeling more confident and more engaged in the learning, that is success!
What were you like in fifth grade?
I was becoming more social and more aware of injustice. I was optimistic and ready to change the things in the world that were unfair and unkind.
What’s your favorite local restaurant, and what do you like to order there?
Detroit Filling Station and I like everything on their menu!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Right now, Mallorca is where I would like to go.
What’s one thing that might surprise people about you?
Not much. I am an open book!
What are you excited about right now?
The holidays!
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