Claudia Calandrella • Jessie Clark Middle School, 8th Grade Algebran and Pre-Algebra

“Students can succeed if given help and encouragement.  It is a delight to see “the light bulb go on” when they finally grasp a concept with which they have been struggling.”

Mickey Caliguiri • Rosa Parks Elementary School, Special Education

“When given the appropriate guidance, methods and time, all student (regardless of disability, race or sex) can learn to the best of their potential.”

Kathy Christian • MLK Academy, Reading

“My goal is to help students develop good reading skills, and I encourage them to use these skills as a tool for learning and enjoying literature. It is exciting to see students become confident readers!”

Patricia Crumbaugh • Leestown Middle School, Introductory Life Skills

“People often tell me that it takes a certain kind of person to teach middle schoolers. I guess that's true — because I really like their 'in-between' status. They are still young enough to need and want attention, but old enough to have serious opinions about serious issues. And I just simply love them. My only family is stationed abroad, so these children and my school are my Lexington family.

“One thing that guides me and falls quite naturally into the subject I teach is critical thinking. My greatest task is to teach these children to think, to be guided by an inner compass, rather than the whims of those around them. We need more critical thinkers in our community, our nation, and our world. These children will be making the laws when I am on a cane or a walker, so I've just got to teach them to be considerate, kind, and logical. They're the ones to keep things going when I am old and gray-er!”

Christy Herring • Athens Elementary School, 3rd-4th Grades

“Each child has a precious treasure hidden inside. It is my duty to unlock the treasure and inspire the child to soar to high places.”

Amy Shelton • Ashland Elementary School, 1st-2nd Grades

“I try to make learning exciting and fun for all of my students every day.”