By C1 Staff
PAHOKEE, Fla. — A 10-year veteran of the Florida Department of Corrections turned teacher credits her time as a correctional officer for her skills with troubled youth.
Terreca Mincey-Walkes was named a 2015 Scholastic Outstanding Educator, one of only four winners nationwide, according to the Palm Beach Post.
She said her time as a juvenile correctional officer gave her a ‘sixth sense’ when it comes to kids and trouble.
“I attempt to take the students that are labeled trouble makers under my wing and devote more time and attention to them,” Mincey-Wilkes said. “I try to get them to love to read. If they can learn to love to read I think that can deter negative interactions in the community.”
She won a cash prize with her award, and used the money to buy pizza for her students, along with gift cards to use as incentives to keep reading.
“You have to show kids plenty of love,” she said. “That’s the one thing that helps to deter them from negativity, letting them know someone cares for them. As a teacher, we’re there with them half the day. I make sure my kids know that every day. I’m conscious of that.”