Patti Bingham • SCAPA, Ballet and Dance Composition

“Care about students as people first, then teach them everything I can. Use ideas from teachers and administrators I admire. Teach to High Expectations and Values for each student. Have fun!”

Matthew Cornett • Lafayette High School, English and Arts & Humanities

“It's all about genuine relationships, relevant learning and fun. You have to let the students know that you care about them and then actually show it day by day. Also, there has to be a real interest in their lives, their feelings and their opinions. This plays a vital role in the classroom because it helps them to make real connections between the content and their lives. Also, make it as fun as you can! We have the awesome opportunity to help guide them as they learn and grow as individuals. Everything we do in the classroom should foster that growth and never stifle it!”

Mark Russell • Morton Middle School, 6th Social Studies

“Like most teachers, I want my students to be lifelong learners in this increasingly diverse society of ours. For students to succeed, they need to learn strategies to decode difficult texts, construct an argument, think critically, possess a knowledge of current events and either know many facts or know where to access them.

“Because I teach social studies, it’s only natural for me to want my students to believe they have a voice in civic affairs and understand that they are members of a global society. To this end, I want them to vote, to contact their legislators about issues they believe are important, to learn a second language and to speak up whenever they see injustice.”

Kim Shafer • Harrison Elementary School, Grades K-1

“I love teaching, and I want to inspire my students to love learning. I try to make my lessons fun and exciting, and I try to model how much I enjoy learning.”

Dana Taylor • Julia R. Ewan Elementary School, Grades 2-3

“I believe that it is my job to make sure that every child achieves success at his/her own personal academic level.”