Susan Gutierrez
2003 Michigan Teacher of the Year
Ms. Gutierrez teaches English and History to students in the Seventh and Eighth grades at Forest Hills Central Middle School in Ada, Michigan. She has nine years of teaching experience.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"Far too many kids are never given the opportunity or the environment to succeed, or the caring adults to help them achieve their goals. As their teacher, they’re waiting for me to get it right."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
“I give tirelessly of my time and energies. As a middle school team leader, I have worked to develop an exemplary team. Team names, slogans, parent-teacher communication, conferences and interdisciplinary units all build upon the ‘spirit’ of the team and build the learner’s eagerness to participate in the academic environment. Our team management, communication and expectations for students demonstrate our belief in developing each student’s abilities.”

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
“It seems so simple, but it was a life-altering event. The first summer I earned my Water Safety Instructor certification introduced me to a young lady whom I will call ‘Anita.' Anxiety filled this young lady's eyes as she placed a toe in the lake and hurriedly fled the scene. As I later learned, young Anita had never bathed in a bathtub or shower because her mother had almost drowned as a child. Anita will never know how she altered my course in life. You see, over the camp session, I learned a great deal more from her. This young lady put forth her best efforts daily in my beginner class despite her fears. She confided in me that she wanted to accomplish more. At the close of the two-week session, this young lady could tread water and had mastered a few basic strokes. On the final day of the session, Anita curled her toes over the end of the dock and found the courage to dive into the deep and murky lake water. Once she swam back to the dock, her excitement spilled through the towel and filled me with spirit. It is through my experience with Anita that I no longer place limits on my expectations. As teachers, we need to provide the opportunities and environment for all students to succeed.”

What's the most critical issue facing educators?
“I believe each child is unique and that the primary purpose of education should be to meet students individual needs. My role, as teacher, should foster the development of each student toward his fullest potential. At the middle level, this means addressing students as whole persons by fostering their physical, emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. The challenge is to find ways to innovatively plan instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.”

What do you think can be done to solve this issue?
“Learning communities must be developed to encourage collegial discussions around best practices. Teachers must be afforded the time to engage in discussions, plan, problem solve and innovate."

One thought to inspire teachers to excel
“Our profession allows us to touch the future one child at a time. Take time to reflect on the difference you've made in the life of a child and you will find the strength and energy to impact countless lives.”

One lesson every student should learn
“Students need themselves as capable of making a difference in their communities – today!”

Favorite Teaching Tool:
“History Alive. Materials from the Curriculum Institute of California”

Favorite Web site:
www.HistoryChannel.com – History Channel
www.NationalGeographic.com – National Geographic