Teacher spotlight: Pam Donehew

Pam Donehew sits at her desk surrounded by piles of schoolwork, books and reports. Since she was promoted to director of instruction/IB at Sarasota Military Academy a year-and-a-half ago, Donehew says she has not only gained new responsibilities, but also a small family consisting of students, parents and teachers.

SMA introduced its International Baccalaureate (IB) program in August. The intense educational program teaches students the skills to succeed in a rapidly globalizing world.

Donehew and Headmaster Dan Kennedy started the application process in January 2011. Donehew was confident in the program after she saw her granddaughters thrive in Riverview High School’s IB program.

“It changes lives,” Donehew says.

Six months into the school year, Donehew says she sees personal growth among the 50 freshmen in SMA’s IB program.

Donehew works closely with the students, their families and 16 SMA teachers to make the experience as rewarding as possible. She maintains a tight bond between IB families and teachers with a weekly email.
While this new small family grows, Donehew strives to keep the SMA family atmosphere throughout the school and not make the new program an “us and them” situation.

“We’re all a family at SMA,” says Donehew. “I want to keep it that way.”

Looking forward, Donehew hopes more students will join the IB program next year. Her goal is for 100 incoming freshmen to join the 50 students currently enrolled in the IB program. She is also working on offering the IB’s Middle Years Program to SMA middle school students.

As for her current IB family, Donehew is looking forward to new members.

“It’s good to see families grow,” says Donehew.

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]