Through the Eyes of a Tiger: An Interview With Mrs. Bonnyman

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jean Bonnyman, one of our Upper School learning specialists, to talk about her time spent at Darlington and what it means to be a member of the Darlington Community.

Mrs. Bonnyman has worked in the Teaching and Learning Center since 2006. She has more than 20 years of experience in education. She also holds a B.S., an M.Ed. and an Ed.S., all from the University of Virginia. She is the mother of Darlington alumni Ed (’05), Norman (’07) and Isabel (’09).

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about working at Darlington?
A: The most rewarding thing about working at Darlington is working with the students and the teachers as well. The students are such a positive energy and I appreciate that we are not a stressed out school, where everyone lives and dies by perfect grades. Of course Darlington values academics, but I think we value people more.

Q: What makes Darlington's Teaching and Learning Center program unique?
A: In the Learning Center, we care about students. This is not just about having the knowledge to provide proper support, but I am grateful and proud that we value what we do to the point that we always go the extra mile to help a student become successful. Our goal is to have our students be able to succeed happily and successfully in school and college without us. The other thing that makes our Learning Center unique is the safe, comfortable, positive, supportive atmosphere. 

Q: What are we doing to prepare students for the future changes now? 
A:  Project-based learning is a great start, as seen in the longer periods of B week. All the initiatives of the 21st Century classroom are about better preparing students for the future and the modern world. The main idea is to encourage critical thinking, appropriate use of technology, and project-based learning. Other ideas that are also taken into consideration are the individuality of learning styles and the developmental differences of students.

Q: What qualities or skills should a Darlington student possess when he or she graduates? 
A: Hopefully, being honest with themselves and others is at the core of their character by graduation. Also, of course, how to study, manage their time and materials, and self-advocate for themselves. I love the service component of our school. If students can get a head start on the understanding that their life is not "all about me,"  they will do better. They'll be happier if they can be responsible for themselves so they can serve others.

Q: Do the students you hear from say they are prepared for their college experience? 
A: Perhaps the most rewarding thing for us, especially in the Learning Center, is when students call or visit to tell us how what they have learned here helps them succeed. I even get thank you notes! What students say the most is that they know how to manage their time and self-advocate with their professors and peers. 

Q: How do you vary your teaching methods to ensure that all types of learners are being reached?
A: We don't technically teach, not like classroom teachers do. In terms of instruction, it is basically individualized, but then there are units of basic knowledge that we teach every student. Yet this is often tweaked by the individual because every student is different. We go by each student's educational testing, and then his or her needs as we get to know the student. Each student's needs change as he or she encounters new challenges every year, and as the student gains more skills and experience. Freshmen and new students usually have a pretty high learning curve.