‘Teacher of the Month’ recognized for using pineapples and positivity to teach persistence in the classroom
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — A first-grade classroom at Anderson Elementary is filled with music, movement, motivation, and pineapples. Students there affectionately call their teacher, Courtney Malahais, “Miss Pineapple,” and for good reason.
The nickname comes from her unique classroom philosophy focused on persistence, positivity, and joy. Her students, known as “persistent pineapples,” are encouraged to keep climbing the “ladder of success” and never give up, even when learning gets tough. “So everything’s about pineapples and happiness and joy,” Malahais said.
Each morning begins with an inspirational song and dance to help students feel energized and ready to learn. She believes the tone teachers set can shape the entire day. “We set the tone,” Malahais said. “When I come in ready, the children can feel that energy. If they feel loved and they feel safe and they feel joy, they’ll want to come to school.”
Her passion for creating a joyful learning environment comes from her own childhood. Malahais said she moved often and attended five different elementary schools. “I didn’t have that eagerness to go to school,” she said. “So when I became a teacher, I wanted them to feel that. I wanted them to be excited to come.”
Her classroom includes a “ladder of success” bulletin board designed to help students learn how to overcome challenges and build confidence. “It’s just about teaching them those what do you do when you want to give up steps?” she said. “We all fall off the ladder. So children just need the tools and vocabulary to get back on.”
Malahais says her support system, including her husband, family, parents, and school community, plays a big role in helping her stay motivated. “Everybody needs that person,” she said. “And our parents always show up. We’re a team.”
She said she feels grateful every day for the opportunity to teach and build relationships with students and families. “I feel such appreciation for the gift of this job,” she said. “I feel blessed every single day.”
The Teacher of the Month award, sponsored by Masonboro Kids Dentistry, April Jones Insurance, and The Golf Barn, comes with a $600 prize. The program allows community members to nominate educators who go above and beyond for their students.
