Gino R. Marchetti
Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Lake Harriet Community School, Minneapolis, MN
Grade 3, All subjects

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is more than a profession. It is a calling. It takes something special to be a good teacher. Teachers need to always be in touch and tuned in to students’ needs. Teachers need to be involved, caring, in touch, loving and firm.

My philosophy in action
I always try to know what is going on in kids’ lives today. As adults, we can’t afford to be too far removed from what kids are dealing with on a daily basis. It often means that we even sit back and watch what kids are watching on TV today. My own two children have given me wonderful insights on how to be a better person and teacher because I am involved with what they like and want to do. I try to get to know my students as much as possible so we can connect.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment came last year when a student from my first year of teaching (fifth grade) found me and personnally handed me an invitation to his college graduation. This came from a young man that by today's standards should not have made it. He persevered because caring teachers and other adults that mentored him along the way surrounded him. It was such a great honor that he wanted me to be a part of his great day.

The most critical issue facing educators today
I really feel that class size is a key factor in the making or breaking of students and teachers today. Large class sizes short circuit the very heart of what good teaching is all about: connecting. It is very difficult to make quality connections in classrooms filled to capacity – impossible, no; very difficult, yes.

Ways to resolve this issue
The general public needs to be made aware of the critical need to keep teacher-student ratios to a manageable level. We need to have more legislative ownership and accountability on the issue of class size.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
You should always look at a child and ask, “Is the way I treat and deal with this child going to make them feel like they are the only one in class for at least a few minutes each day?” Make it a goal. The personal connection you create will energize you and your student as well. They might become a teacher just like you someday. Now that is the honor of honors!

One lesson every student should learn
Every student needs to learn to enjoy learning. Take pleasure in discovery. Take joy in the most simple things in life.

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