Donna Adkins
Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Louisa E. Perritt Primary School, Arkadelphia, AR
Grade 1, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
I believe that it is the job of each teacher to take the children in his/her classroom and do the best they can to help each child reach his/her full potential. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to develop, and it is my job to see that happen. A classroom should be a safe place for a child, where they know they are special, where they are cared for, no matter what else is happening in their lives.

My philosophy in action
I continually look for ways to help my children learn. I teach multiple strategies whenever possible in order to make sure I fit each child's learning style. I assess to see if there are skills my children are missing, teaching and re-teaching as needed. I work to provide a stable environment where children feel safe, where they can make a mistake and not be ridiculed. Each child is taught to respect the others in the classroom, both with class meetings and the behaviors I model in the room each day.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishment is the impact I have in the lives of my children each and every day.

The most critical issues facing educators today
The most critical issue facing educators today is the school's failure to educate ALL children. All children can learn, and we need to do our best to be sure that they are given the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Ways to resolve this issue
It is time to stop thinking in conventional terms and look at what works, even if it is different. Every school needs to take a critical look at itself and see what needs to be done. For example, if the problem is that children don't retain what they’ve learned over the summer, then change the calendar. Find programs (or create a program) that will work. We need to think outside the box.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
We are blessed in that we can take great satisfaction in knowing that we have an impact that extends far beyond our classrooms. The ripple effect of education means that the influence of our day-to-day lives is, in some ways, eternal.

One lesson every student should learn
Every child should learn to believe in him/her self. We read The Little Engine That Could on the first day of school and I teach students that the one word that is not allowed in my room is "can't.” When something is hard, say, “I think I can..." and do your best!

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