2001 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
Ms. Herz is a grade six Language Arts teacher at West Middle School in Rapid City, South Dakota. She has been teaching for twenty-three years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"My profession is not a day job; it is a lifestyle that calls for a willingness to be constantly alert for a better way to instruct, a more efficient use of instruction time and a clearer understanding of societal ills that plague our students and families. Above all, to me, it means 'my kids' have to know that I care about them more than merely filling their heads with knowledge; I care about them as individuals."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"My classroom is grounded in an atmosphere of mutual respect. My students know from the first day of school that I will respect their dignity and I expect the same from them to me as well as to their classmates. I want to know about their special interests, dreams and fears. I frequently appear at their out-of-school activities to show my interest and become better acquainted with their parents. I make it known that I am available before and after school, as well as at my home phone, for questions and concerns. I ask parents for feedback on concerns such as homework load, their child's adjustment to middle school, their perceived value of an assignment, etc. I believe 'the wise teacher makes learning a joy'. I may not always be there, but I will never stop trying."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment would be when my sixth graders leave for seventh grade. They know that I believe in their ability to progress. Therefore, most of them have learned to enjoy writing and gained a greater willingness to revise their writing rather than accept early drafts as 'good enough.'"

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"Apathy towards education from students and parents is the most critical issue in our striving to improve achievement for all students. I intend to continue communicating to those outside of education, in government and community, a greater understanding of all the variables, many of which are outside of the school's control, that are involved in determining whether or not a child will succeed in school. Unless we willingly address our societal ills, we are pounding our heads uselessly against the schoolhouse walls. No, we never give up on our troubled children but communities must share the responsibility for raising citizens of sound character. They become our future doctors, lawyers, business leaders, researchers and teachers. And, if they do not grow up with secure homes and sound character role models, they will not become stable adults, capable of responsible, productive lives."

Inspirational thought:
"Dr. Candy Dawson has said, 'Every child needs one adult who is crazy about them.' You may be that one adult in some child's life. Don't miss the opportunity by giving less than your heart and soul to being committed, caring and compassionate."