Aaron D. Deal
Maryland Teacher of the Year
Salisbury Middle School, Salisbury, MD
Grades 7-8, Computer Science

My teaching philosophy
I believe that effective teaching begins with a teacher taking time to relate to and establish a relationship with his students. Teachers have the responsibility to take children from their current instructional level to a more advanced level. To do this, you have to know where your students currently are and how they learn best. An effective teacher takes the time to ease the stresses that children bring to school with them. When we relate to those issues that are important to our students, they are given a reason to speak, listen and trust.

Another important component of teaching deals with resources. Students deserve the opportunity to explore subject areas in a variety of ways. Since students learn differently, an effective teacher will present information in alignment with as many learning styles as possible. Media and technology resources need to be made available to teachers and students to facilitate and enhance learning.

My philosophy in action
I make a conscious effort to present myself as a teacher to each student, instead of a teacher to the class. Only after the class is seen as an assortment of individuals can we truly ensure that no child is left behind. Realizing that an outstanding teacher is a patient role model who believes in his students, I keep expectations high and challenge students each day, expecting them to surpass their prior performance and their peers on every level. I make an effort to encourage a hunger for learning and stress to my students that they are not limited to my knowledge. As a result of this belief, my students are given structured opportunities to investigate designated areas of interest and report back as experts.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishment changes each year. I recently had a student show great courage by facing his fear of being broadcast during our morning announcements. As a member of our television crew, one of my students experienced strong anxiety as his time came to rotate to our news-anchor position. We discussed this hurdle one-on-one numerous times in an effort to empower him while facing this challenge. On the morning he was to anchor the news, he came in to quit the crew to avoid going on air. However, after a brief discussion, and given time to reconsider, he grabbed his microphone and proceeded to face his fears. This has redefined my greatest teaching accomplishment – empowering children to push themselves to limits previously uncharted.

The most critical issue facing educators today
Identifying comprehensive strategies and innovative activities to increase parent involvement in schools continues to be a major education issue today. Teachers and administrators have tried for years to bring out the best in students while hoping to rely on the support of parents. The stark reality, however, is that those parents of whom you need the most support are often unavailable or seemingly uninterested in participating in their child's education.

Ways to resolve this issue
An effective way to boost parent involvement might be to invite parents out to social events at which neither the child's behavior nor performance will be discussed. These events must not display parents’ education, or lack thereof. Other opportunities might include family talent shows or sports nights. If parents, especially fathers, get an opportunity to shine in front of their children, they might feel more comfortable with the school setting and become more involved.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
Instead of adopting the adage, "seeing is believing," I choose to "believe until I see" our goals realized.

One lesson every student should learn
Trust = rewards
Lack of trust = loss of privileges

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