A Moment with Mrs. Self
I am Dorothy Self, and this is my second year teaching fourth grade at Palmetto Prep. Prior to teaching at Palmetto Prep, I taught second grade at Stone Academy for Communication Arts for two years. Before that, I co-taught a third grade class at Summit Drive Elementary for one and a half years. I graduated from Furman University with an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. In addition to this degree, I hold an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Classical Studies, as well as a Masters in Education. I also completed the Peace Center Institute for Arts Integration in the classroom. Because of this extensive experience, I was an Encore Teacher for the Arts at my former school. Lastly, I was chosen to be intensively trained through the Upstate Writing Project, and have completed over fifty hours of training in how to effectively teach writing to children.
In May of 2009, I married my wonderful husband, Thomas. He is a Furman graduate as well, and holds a Masters in Accountancy and Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina. Currently, he works as a tax accountant for Elliott Davis, LLC in Greenville. We have a sweet dog named Kendall, who is very energetic and always trouble! We are very blessed to have made our first home here in Greenville.
I am a new aunt to four beautiful nieces: Stella, Walker, Ruby, and Maggie, and one handsome nephew: Ben. Below is a picture of my nephew, who looks like a miniature version of my husband!
My new niece, Maggie! Sweetest little baby in the world!
Here are 6 basic questions that students frequently ask me:
Q: What is your favorite store?
A: Well, as you will see—my favorite stores sell shoes. I just love shoes. In fact, my husband has had to fight for closet space because I feel as if my shoes are very important!
Q: Do you have a dog named ToTo?
A: Nope! But I have a 6 year old dog named Kendall. She’s very stubborn and unfortunately very smart (not in a good way!).
- Kendall - She’s afraid of water, but loves to go on the boat! (Crazy dog)
Q: Do you have any sisters or brothers?
A:Yes. I have one sister. She is younger than I am. Her name is Nan. She majored in Psychology at Furman University and has earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Florida. She is working with adolescents in this area.
My sister, Nan, and I at the beach
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I really enjoy working in the yard, actually. Planting beautiful flowers is something I really like to do. I also love to go out to dinner with my husband ad our friends, and spend quality time with my family. I also frequently go out for ice cream or to the park with former students of mine with whom I have stayed in contact. One of my greatest joys is seeing my children as they grow. This is a blessing to me!
Easter in our Garden
Q: What is your favorite place to visit?
A: I love to visit my parents in the warm, Florida sun! I love going to the beach and being with my family down there.
Mr. and Mrs. Self at the Beach!
Q: What is your Teaching Mission Statement?
A: My goal is to meet each child’s needs, and to build his or her confidence in the classroom. Fostering a love for learning is the key for each student to achieve academic success. This love for learning yields children who are excited to come to school, and do so with an upbeat, positive attitude. Children who feel as if they have a place in the classroom and the community take ownership and develop responsibility…and begin to dream about the future leaders they will become!
Some of Mrs. Self's Former Students Attended Her Master's Degree Commencement Ceremony!
So now you know me a little bit better. I look forward to getting to know you as our year together progresses. I am thrilled and honored to be a part the Palmetto Prep family! We will have a fabulous year!!!