Brenda Schultz
Northern Mariana Islands Teacher of the Year
Garapan Elementary School, Saipan, MP
Grade 4, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
Each child is a dynamic human being with different emotional, social, and academic needs. We as educators must provide safe, nurturing and predictable environments where children are able to learn social skills while receiving diverse, appropriate, and meaningful instruction. Top quality education should be provided to all students regardless of the socioeconomic, language, or skill level they come to school with while preserving the student's integrity, individuality, and positive self worth.

My philosophy in action
When you walk through the door of our classroom you will see learning centers, projects, collaborative tasks, as well as individual projects and skill building taking place. Students are given choices and have the power of decision making on a daily basis. Students have many opportunities throughout the day to act as facilitators, presenters, recorders, and problem solvers. All of this instruction takes place in an environment that focuses on continuity through the disciplines so students can get excited, make connections and work at their own levels. Through this thematic and collaborative environment students are able to build vocabulary and practice communication skills in a natural and safe way. Lessons are presented in a variety of modalities to incorporate, respect, and celebrate different learning styles.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishment is the culmination of all the small moments that I've had with my students. It is all the times I've had the privilege to help a student overcome a personal, academic, self-esteem, or health difficulty. It is those times when I see former students enjoying their life and for one moment they take time out of what they are doing to make eye contact with me and smile. They smile that great big "thank-you” smile that shines with self-pride! There is no greater accomplishment than to inspire children to reach their goals and prepare them for their future.

The most critical issue facing educators today
The most critical issue facing educators today is making sure that we are not leaving any child behind.

Ways to resolve this issue
We need to make sure that we are providing appropriate and challenging curriculum that still places value on diversity. We need to prepare students to be collaborative and creative members of our society capable of solving real life problems through project-based curriculum. We always need to be aware that students are unique individuals who learn at different rates and in individual ways. We can eliminate leaving children behind by crafting individualized educational programs for each child and marking growth through the use of qualitative and formative methods of assessment.

One thought to inspire educators to succeed
Focus on the things you can do from this day on to improve the lives of your students and never make excuses!

One Lesson every student should learn
Things that come easily are not worth as much as those things that challenge us.

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