Catie Thurber-Brown
Oregon Teacher of the Year
Tigard High School, Tigard, OR
Grade 10-12, Spanish

My teaching philosophy
I believe in a personalized, differentiated curriculum. I want our classroom to feel like a community of learners.

My philosophy in action
I want the work to feel authentic, with a genuine purpose, and I like setting up scenarios where students are interdependent, yet individually accountable.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Helping students develop their sense of empowerment.

The most critical issue facing educators today
I think the most critical issue facing educators is the achievement gap and a self-centered society.

Ways to resolve this issue
Involve students in the community and the community in the schools, develop schools to be a place where students are known and appreciated as individuals and encourage learning beyond the classroom.

One thought to inspire educators to succeed
Focus on the relationship with the student. With that established, the learning happens.

One Lesson every student should learn
Being able to take risks is the key to success. Learning is a process that can be applied to any facet of life and it is what keeps life interesting and rewarding.

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