Other students spoke of plans to go into the
military or to college. Two students told me
they would be the first student in their family
to graduate from high school. It was with a
lump in my throat that I watched them walk
across the stage to receive their diploma.
“...Teachers help students find direction
for their future.”
The stories above are highlights, but my favorite
part of every year is the daily ebb and flow of
classroom life. It is important to remember—
to take time to remember—that bottled in
each day is cause and effect: The impact that
we make on students, and the impact that they
make on us.
As a mathematical community, each day we
work toward a common goal. The goal could be
developing an attribute of learning, mastering
a mathematical concept, or preparing for a
high-stakes exam. Watching this mathematical
community develop, and seeing how it
supports student success and achievement, is
one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I believe that development of this community
has led to high levels of academic achievement.
I am very proud of my students’ academic
success, but I believe it is even more important
that they feel they have been valued and
supported in the process of learning.
The thank-you note that inspired this paper
touched my heart deeply, and I know I can’t
conclude without a huge thank you to some
very important people in my life.
To the Shadle Park staff — both past and
present:
Your dedication, love for students, hard work,
and vision have influenced my practice in the
classroom and deeply impacted the success of our
students. Great things happen when we work as
a team and I am so thankful to be a part of the
Shadle Park Community.
16
2015 Washington State Teacher of the Year • From Seed to Apple