2002 California Teacher of the Year
Ms. Gower teaches Health Career Levels I and II to the students in grades eleven and twelve at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, California. Ms. Gower has been teaching for nine years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"The classroom is an extension of my beliefs. My classroom environment is built around learning. From the bulletin boards that display information and student work to the visual and tangible learning materials, my room is alive."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I continually attempt to develop and adapt a broad array of teaching techniques in order to reach the many different levels of my students."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest accomplishment is the connection that I make with my students. I am the senior advisor for Health Occupations Students of America and I thoroughly enjoy engaging students in this organization. It brings real-life application to their studies. It allows me to watch students grow and develop into responsible citizens."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"There are several critical issues facing educators but the one that we are facing at our school, and that California and many other states are facing, is how to address the needs of an increasing diverse population. For this problem to have resolution it must be addressed and viewed as a positive force within our school communities. Teachers and students need strategies to help them address this form of culture shock. Districts need to encourage and provide opportunities for teachers to collaborate and learn from one another. Teachers need assistance to develop strategies, and technology must be made available that is tailored to distinct needs."

Inspirational thought:
"Anything is possible if you don't give up."