Dayle Timmons
Florida Teacher of the Year
Chets Creek Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL
Grades K-1, Special Education

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is not just a job – it is a life's work. I was called to teach and I am passionate about what I do. I am especially drawn to children and families that have been dealt a difficult hand. I believe that even the most severely damaged child has value and purpose. Even though the exterior package may be damaged, every carefully unwrapped present holds a unique gift. As teachers we have the responsibility to open each package with sensitivity, tenderness and hope – to shape its contents and to introduce each precious child to the world.

My philosophy in action
I make no excuses for the problems in a child's life. Instead, I see the possibilities. My expectations are limitless. Teaching is about relationships. If you can hook a child, you can take them anywhere. The combination of high expectations and rigorous academic expectations are accelerated when parents become active participants.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
The students that I give to the world are my greatest accomplishment.

The most critical issue facing educators today
The recruitment and retention of teachers is by far the most critical issue facing education today.

Ways to resolve this issue

I see several ways to address the issues of teacher shortages:
	Offer alternative certification programs
	Offer induction programs for new teachers
	Increase pay for teachers
	Increase teachers’ voice in policy making
	Recruit post-secondary students proactively
	Offer teacher incentive and forgiveness loans
	Offer online job applications
	Offer structured mentoring programs
	Reduce teaching loads for new teachers
	Offer differentiated pay plans
	Provide ongoing professional development

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
If it is to be, it is up to me.

One lesson every student should learn
To thine own self be true.