Reeshemah Swan, exuberant teacher of the year, radiates a path of warmth and enthusiasm wherever she goes.

"I am honest, open minded, straightforward, pro-active and committed,'' she said.

One of her students nominated her for this public school teachers educational honour. After Miss Swan agreed to participate, she was requested to write a 1000 word essay on why she should be chosen.

A total of 16 teachers responded and these were narrowed down to three final teachers: Miss Swan of Cedarbridge Academy, Christopher Swan of Berkeley Institute and Darren Lewis of Spice Valley Middle School.

Premier Jennifer Smith opened the Centre for Education and awarded Miss Swan the certificate at the Bermuda College last June.

"The experience was definitely a big surprise to me and I was overwhelmed to be selected as `Teacher of the Year'. There are so many wonderful teachers in Bermuda.

"A member of the selection committee came to observe my class. I was scrutinised very closely,'' she said.

She was awarded $2000 cash, an all expense paid trip to a leadership conference, dinner, beauty treatment and a weekend retreat.

Miss Swan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Mary's in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Howard University, Washington, D.C.

She comes from a family of educators who impacted her life tremendously. Her grandmother was a primary school teacher, her aunt was a secondary teacher and her uncle was a college teacher.

"It was picture clear to me that I wanted to become a teacher when I was in high school at Berkeley. In my family, teaching is a family tradition,'' she said.

The talented 28 year old has been teaching for six years. She began at Warwick Secondary School, then went to CedarBridge for three years and now she teaches at Berkeley.

It is believed that children learn what they live and Miss Swan had many role models in her family who mirrored professional and religious principles.

"My mother instilled perseverance and determination in me and taught me to focus and achieve goals.

"Father taught me tenacity -- if you want something go out and get it.

"My grandmother, Cynthia Swan, has a wealth of knowledge, is very active in church school and regular school. We have a wonderful rapport and we talk about things; she continues to give me advice and counsel.'' She also remembers that one of her school teachers at Prospect Primary used to give her a lot of encouragement, Mrs. Rhoda Sutton. This particular teacher was one of those no nonsense types but with a good sense of humour.

Miss Swan reflects over her life and explains about where she is today.

"I am where I am today due to the hard work I did as a student. I made many sacrifices with my time, was pushed early, motivated, and I wanted success.

"During my teen years, I stayed home more than my peers. At the end I met my goals and I was well versed and built a solid educational foundation.'' Prior to attending college Miss Swan was use to self discipline and strong study habits and took about 13 courses the latter years of high school.

She describes her teaching style as `eclectic' and says she teaches students what they need to know to be successful in life from academics to social behaviour.

Her methods include lecturing, role modelling and non-directive teaching.

Students practise the juris prudential inquiry Socratic dialogue where they make value judgments based on certain criteria.

"The kids are the experts and this empowerment tends to make them more responsible.'' Certain aspects of teaching thrill this teacher. "I love teens. I like their personae, they are very responsive to stimuli. I like to provide direction to ages 14 to 18 and I try to relate life to learning.

"I am disappointed when I don't see young people striving for their potential. I see a lack of intellectual nurturing from parents and other educators.'' Miss Swan tries to motivate her students through nurturing, high expectations, humour and understanding.

"High expectations correlate to self-esteem. I challenge students to be their best socially and academically.'' Miss Swan devotes about 12 hours a day to her work. She is ready to start class each day at 8:20 a.m. and continues with school work until about 8:30 p.m.

Miss Swan says she does not want to be a class room teacher forever.

"I am on a journey, gathering expertise. I want to become a mover and a shaker with the Education Ministry or be a principal,'' she concluded.

Teacher, Reeshenmah Swan Teacher of the Year Award was given to Reeshemah Swan last year at a cermelony attended by Premier Jennifer Smith