Diane Woodford
Nebraksa Teacher of the Year
Covington Elementary, South Sioux City, NE
Grade 5, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
Hundreds of children have been seated in my classroom over the years and each child honored me by sharing the gifts and talents they possess. It is my belief that children have a strong desire to learn. My expertise is required to extract a feeling of wonder from each child and allow it to expand into areas of passion or, at least, improvement.

My philosophy in action
My challenge is to evolve my varied and diverse students into critical readers and learners. Positive traits that are carried by each individual are celebrated. I teach acceptance, tolerance, pride, thinking, curiosity and wonder. I teach children to love learning. My focus is to develop a safe and cohesive environment where positive thinking is honored.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishments are the faces of young people who have grown up to become good citizens and good parents. Being recognized as Nebraska's Teacher of the Year has allowed me to connect with many former students and their families. Education impacts lives and education is my passion.

The most critical issue facing educators today
Accountability of student achievement needs to be documented. The world of assessment is spinning around all of us today. Numerous tools are used to record progress so a piece of paper can give evidence of learning. However, caution needs to be clipped onto that piece of paper so that we don't forget that what is reported represents a living, breathing child. The assessment scores only relay information about one facet of that child's development. Deciphering statistical scores can springboard educators in a direction for that child. Educators are accountable for the responsible usage of the assessment information to realize potentialities. However, a student is still accountable for their achievement.

Ways to resolve this issue
Educational professionals need to unite to work together to help assessment tools evolve into products that are worthy of the honor placed upon the scores. They should not be allowed to stagnate or misrepresent school districts or children's achievements. Sufficient funding needs to be put in place to improve instruction for diverse populations. Without the funding to support the educational process, meeting goals will be hindered.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
"Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives." Willa A. Foster

One lesson every student should learn
Be the bright spot in someone’s day. Show appreciation. Compliment students, teachers, parents, the lunch ladies, the janitors and anyone else. Expect nothing in return. It feels good.

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