Suzanne Freet Ratzlaff
2003 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
Ms. Ratzlaff has been teaching fourth grade students for twenty-eight years. She currently teaches at Heartland Community Schools in Henderson, Nebraska.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"My classroom is based on the philosophy of a learning community, where all members are a part of the learning, assessing, problem-solving, decision-making and celebrating. Our classroom centers around a community of learners, where students and teacher work together, creating a safe environment which enables everyone to reach their full potential."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I believe in inclusion because I believe in community. Verified and special needs children see themselves as positive, contributing members of the group and become skilled at using their strengths within a collaborative learning environment. Everyone is treated with respect and accepted for who they are. Also, when social and behavioral issues arise, our room becomes a safe, comfortable environment where we can discuss behavioral issues as a group and problem solve how to improve and correct our mistakes. Knowing that their actions are a reflection on their teacher as well as their peers, problem solving becomes a community issue. When children are given the opportunity to correct their mistakes, along with support from the group, it creates a learning experience for all."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"Through authentic, place-based learning, children can touch others while giving to their community. One of my students successful learning projects is my most treasure accomplishment. The children researched a local story, wrote and presented the play Jacob Friesen and the Blizzard of 1888. This raised over $600 towards Henderson’s future museum. The project and play are now archived in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, after receiving a Local Legacies Award through Senator Bob Kerrey’s office."

What's the most critical issue facing educators?
"Through high stakes testing, we are experiencing a narrowing of curriculum. The knowledge emphasized on local, state and national testing is creating a narrow target, one which we are all expected to hit. Therefore, all other knowledge is being de-emphasized."

What do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"Teachers much become creative, innovative educators who can incorporate state standards and skills into meaningful student-centered learning experiences, while their students meet and exceed state standards. The most authentic learning experiences seem to evolve when teachers teach for the moment, letting their students take an active role in creating a learning community. Children who take ownership in what they are learning see no limit to what they can accomplish. Teachers can teach with a passion and students can learn with a passion. Authentic, meaningful learning experiences empower learners."

One thought to inspire teachers to excel
"Make your classroom student centered. When children know and understand what is expected of them and are engaged in the process of authentic learning and assessing, there is no limit to what they can accomplish."

One lesson every student should learn
"Be your own advocate! Ask questions. Gain knowledge about your learning system. Tell your teachers what you need and what they need to do in order for you to learn. Take ownership in your learning."

Favorite Web site:
York County Historical Association: www.rootsweb.com/~neyork

Favorite Tool:
“A microphone and sound system can become the most significant piece of learning equipment students can access. Through the avenue of performance, classrooms can become a room full of creators, innovators, motivators and performers. A microphone can increase learning, while generating unique avenues of opportunities for all children to take a chance to speak, perform, learn and grow.”