2002 Iowa Teacher of the Year
Ms. Erbe teaches all academic subjects to the grade three students at Starry Elementary. She has been teaching for seven years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I believe each student has a unique style of learning and an outstanding teacher will work to find the strengths and interests, and develop activities that will allow each student the opportunity to learn in his own way. I believe learning must be active to be meaningful and that communication is crucial in the development of a whole child. Also, parents should be actively involved in the education of their child."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"My philosophy is evident in my daily classroom routines and in the community of learners I create within my classroom."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment was achieving National Board Certification in November 2000."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"The most critical issue facing educators today is the looming teacher shortage. Quality mentor teachers are retiring at a record pace and new teachers tend to only stay in the classroom for a few years before leaving the profession entirely. To resolve this issue, we must provide new teachers with the support and guidance of a mentor teacher to help them with the everyday challenges they face at the beginning of their career."

Inspirational thought:
"As teachers, we have the opportunity to touch lives in ways we may never know. No matter what, as a teacher, you will always be a part of that child's life and be a part of who that child becomes."