Kelli Barnett • Tates Creek Middle School, Special Education, 11th year of teaching

"I believe that all students can learn and can contribute to the school atmosphere. It is our job as educators to adapt our teaching to each student in order to make the most of his/her learning potential. We are also responsible for guiding students in non-academic ways as well in order to insure that their contribution to the school atmosphere is a positive and productive influence."

Carolyn Costello • Henry Clay High School, Special Education, 10th year of teaching

"Never, ever give up on any student."

Rita Green • Julius Marks Elementary School, Reading, 32nd year of teaching

"Education is a gateway for growth, and it is through this gateway that we gain information, insight, and inspiration. Education enables us to broaden our perspective on life and accomplish our goals. Learning is a life long process, and one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we teach is a love for learning. As educators, we must prepare ourselves and our students for the present and for a future that is ever changing. I believe that children learn best in a safe, nurturing environment where they are valued as unique individuals. One of the most important lessons we ever learn is respect for ourselves and others."

Julie Jones • Russell Cave Elementary School, 4th Grade, 6th year of teaching

"As teachers we must constantly try to improve schools and we must keep working at changing and experimenting and trying until we have developed ways of reaching every child."

—Albert Shanker

"Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education."

—John F. Kennedy

Debbie Rose • Squires Elementary School, Physical Education, 15th year of teaching

"I believe that all children are good at something; it's up to us to help them figure out what that something is."