Kathleen M. Mellor
Rhode Island Teacher of the Year
National Teacher of the Year
Davisville Middle School, North Kingstown, RI
Elementary and Middle School ESL

My teaching philosophy
I feel that all children can learn a lot, but not necessarily in the same way or time frame. Academically, teaching is the challenge of maximizing student growth regardless of ability level or previous achievement. It requires us to be responsible for and responsive to every child in the classroom. Teaching must begin where the students are, with a clear sight of where they are going afterwards. I believe that my achievement as a teacher is directly related to the success and achievement of my students.

My philosophy in action
My beliefs about teaching are demonstrated in my eclectic teaching style, which incorporates more traditional, teacher-directed instruction with holistic, student-centered activities and grading rubrics. There is a combination of whole, flexible and multi-aged groupings. This merger addresses the wide range of backgrounds, abilities, skills and learning styles that my students present. It allows individual students to meet standards, to work at their own comfort level and at their own pace and it gives students ownership in their learning experience.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest contribution to education has been the design and implementation of a successful ESL program in North Kingstown, RI. I consider this to be my greatest accomplishment because the students are not segregated into separate classes or schools. They are integrated into all programs within the district and held to the same high standards. The program, the students and their families are accepted and respected. Many students surpass more than a year's growth in reading level in a year's time, make honor roll or honor society while in and after being exited from the program. The students, their families, other teachers and administrators, acknowledge the ESL program as an effective program.

The most critical issue facing educators today
Today, school districts are faced with many complex issues. Student performance and the capacity of schools to accomplish their mission are seriously affected by a myriad of issues. However, a pervasive educational concern is dealing successfully with increased diversity in the public schools. Providing an equitable education for all students’ touches every grade level, every content-area discipline and every region of the nation. It is widely acknowledged that equitable education is essential to access economic and social advantage. Equalizing the playing field so all students have equal access is the most critical issue facing educators today.

Ways to resolve this issue There are effective instructional programs in place that do address the needs of all students successfully. To resolve this issue, educators must look to and model these programs which share some of the following characteristics:
	They offer curricula that are challenging
	They offer in-depth, high-level subject matter to all students
	They set high, clearly stated, attainable performance standards and ample opportunity for students to achieve
	Properly certified teachers who are knowledgeable in their specific discipline, the craft of teaching and are committed to children teach students.

Exemplary programs are characterized by a comprehensive support system for students such as guidance, advisor/advisee, health, wellness and safety policies and programs. The family, the school and the community work closely together in partnership. Appropriate and multiple forms of assessments inform and drive instruction. Children who have not succeeded are not written off, but given another opportunity and more time to succeed. In addition, there is a flexibility in organizational structure to prevent students from falling through the cracks.

One thought to inspire educators to succeed
Be the best that you can be and treat children, their families, fellow colleagues and administrators the way you like to be treated.

One Lesson every student should learn
It is amazing what you can accomplish when you try hard and work hard. Your education is your responsibility.

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