Jean Woodside
Louisiana Teacher of the Year
Bains Lower Elementary, St. Francisville, LA
Grade 1, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
I believe decision-making that is based on what is best for children is vital to good teaching. My purpose in the classroom is to facilitate academic learning and nurture the development of character, cooperation and conscience in every child.

My philosophy in action
I believe young children learn best when quality modeling is provided. I model care, concern and genuine interest into my students' thoughts. I can easily see these behaviors imitated as I observe my students interacting with each other. My students eagerly participate in reading, writing, technology, science investigations and mathematics activities when I enthusiastically model concepts.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
I believe my greatest accomplishment is my ongoing desire to truly meet the academic and emotional needs of all my students. I seek out new ideas, methodologies and resources so every child can be the best that they can be.

The most critical issue facing educators today
I believe parental involvement is a tremendous issue for teachers. Parents are a child's first teacher. We must highlight the value of parent participation in the learning process and develop relationships with families if children are to meet their full potential as learners.

Ways to resolve this issue
Teachers need to actively seek ways to make parents partners in the classroom. Inviting parents to visit informally, participating in family reading and math days, positive telephone contact and providing parent workshops are some ways to develop these essential relationships.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
Love your kids; make every child in your classroom your own. Nurture them, listen to them, care for them and teach them – children will learn if they are valued.

One lesson every student should learn
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. A banner with large gold letters displays this challenge in my classroom. I wish we could all live by it.

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