Trudy Boock • Millcreek Elementary, Special Education

“All children can learn and be loved! Furthermore, children have a right to an opportunity for a quality education; it's my goal to be the best I can be daily in teaching with a 'Just do it attitude.' I look at education as a mission field as well as a responsibility. By keeping 'ends' in mind — the end of a moment, day, week, school year, life — I’ve been able to persevere with lots of help from my family and friends! Hopefully, my spirit is filled with a will outside of my own as a guide. Praying for this frequently gives me strength. Horace Mann probably sums up what I believe to be true: 'You should be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.'”

Lynn Clark • Russell Cave Elementary, Kindergarten/1st Grade

“Children are able to meet their fullest potential when provided with a well prepared environment. The environment should be one with great expectations, acceptance, love, and respect where students know they are valued. The teacher is always aware of individual needs and guides each student to his/her next level of development.”

Teri Harper • Tates Creek High, United States History, General, Advanced and Advanced Placement

“That we deal with life's most precious commodities, other people's children, I try to treat each and every student with respect and give them the support to be successful both in and and out of the classroom. My goal is to treat each student as I would hope that my sons' teachers treated them. Success breeds success. If every educator would truly stay focused on the student, then each and every student would hopefully achieve a higher level of success.”

Heather Whyte • Southern Elementary, 4th Grade

“I have high expectation for all of my students and I strive to do whatever I can to help them meet and surpass those expectations. I am constantly looking for ways to change or improve the way I teach in order to meet the needs of my students. I have this group of students for one short year, I want to give them a positive experience that they will remember as a great year!”

Connie Tucker • Lafayette High, Art

“When I teach, I start with a blank canvas and then I work toward developing a masterpiece.”