Marguerite Lawler-Rohner
Maine Teacher of the Year
Fred C. Wescott Junior High, Westbrook, ME
Grades 6 & 8, Art

My teaching philosophy
I believe that all students can learn. Humans are innately curious, and when that curiosity is accessed, learning begins. By recognizing and teaching according to individuals’ learning modalities, educational success will result. This success enables the individual to have confidence and helps motivate further achievement.

Teaching opportunities should be expanded upon whenever possible. Learning is multi-dimensional and the more approaches a teacher has to engage the student, the better. Making learning meaningful and relevant to the real world means using multiple pathways, resources and experiences. Students will become invested in their own education and rise to surpass expectations when given the opportunity.

My philosophy in action
I make all students feel accepted as individuals regardless of their academic status or behavior. My ability to see through the veneer of the person enables me to cultivate the potential within each individual. I understand that the attributes we admire in adults – independent thinking, self-confidence, courage of conviction and individuality – are often hard to tolerate in our young. By nurturing my students in positive and productive ways, they are able to manifest strengths of character that inhibit natural rebelliousness against authority. I care enough to hold students accountable for their performance and demeanor at school. Being the taskmaster and following through in difficult situations isn’t pleasant but I know the importance of taking action in students’ lives. I also collaborate with students in making required curriculum more innovative and relevant to them. The learning dialogue established through our teacher-student interactions benefits everyone and improves upon the basic model of teaching.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment as an educator is teaching eighth grade art. There is no other group that holds my interest or sparks my creativity as much as eighth graders. I love their humor, emerging individuality, egocentricity, bravado and tender vulnerability. I appreciate and respect the awkwardness of their age, their contradictory nature and their innate need to be recognized as unique.

In my classes I use art as a vehicle to teach social grace, altruism, ethics, language arts, math, social studies, and, most importantly, responsibility of self. I never turn away any student. I welcome, encourage, guide and learn from them. I create a safe and caring environment where learning and discovery are valued and the potential of people is realized.

The most critical issue facing educators today
The major issues in public education all come down to funding. There isn’t enough money, time or human resources for public education to create learning environments that are functional and safe. Our schools lack basic facilities with ventilation, current technology, innovative programming and distinguished educators from other walks of life, who also have comprehensive experience in education. Teachers are underpaid and undervalued in our society. We are accountable for the learning that each student needs to succeed in life yet our time teaching is significantly impacted by the platforms and mandates each president has brought into office.

Ways to resolve this issue
The solution here is to give the power of educational reform to the individual states rather than the federal government. States would be able to maintain a standard core based on current educational research of the best learning and teaching practices. The core would be consistent with national standards yet be flexible enough to weather the political tides. Given the opportunity to build upon an enduring, sound foundation of research, I think we would find openness and willingness in teachers to participate. We could make a difference. Our students would benefit from our labors, and that is what really matters.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
I believe teachers need to look out for each other and collaborate in the art of teaching whenever possible. Often the purpose of learning something new is in sharing what you’ve learned. The excitement of active learning is contagious, and passionate teachers will ignite the most reluctant students into learning.

One lesson every student should learn
Students should learn how to clean up after themselves.

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