Regenia Williams
Virgin Islands Teacher of the Year
J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary School, St.Thomas, VI
Grades 6, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
It has always been my goal each school year to inspire my students to want to come to school, not just to learn and achieve, but to also enjoy themselves. As students learn they should feel non-threatened and respected. They should feel that their views, knowledge, and experiences are important and worth sharing with their peers and teacher. Taking students from where they are and moving them to a higher level requires the use of a variety of teaching styles that accommodate individual learning needs. Subject integration is key when planning lessons. It not only makes what the students are learning more relevant but it allows for more activities to be planned. Attitudes and behaviors change with time but the key to a successful teaching and learning environment requires that respect be established and maintained between all involved.

My philosophy in action
Today's generation of students must be heard and allowed to interact. Cooperative learning, whole group discussions, and hands-on activities are essential elements for a successful classroom learning environment. Two or more activities should be planned each week. These activities can be in the form of an experiment, video, story tape, art project, subject project, or oral presentation.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment has come from assisting students who are academically and behaviorally below average to achieve positive outcomes in both areas.

The most critical issue facing educators today
Accountability in the educational system is a critical issue facing not only educators but communities as a whole.

Ways to resolve this issue
Parents have to be held accountable for instilling in their children the need for responsible behavior, respect, and the desire to excel. Children should see and experience what is expected of them being practiced daily. Teachers should not only have the credentials or certification to become a working member of the profession but also have a sincere desire and drive to actually do what is necessary to impart knowledge. School administrators should not only have the credentials but also the demeanor and leadership capabilities for performing in a supervisory role.
They must be held accountable for not only the day to day running of the school, but more importantly for the academic and social success of each class. They must be held accountable for each staff member functioning in the capacity for which they are hired. District administration must be held accountable for the success and effectiveness of every school on every level. Accountability cannot be monitored from behind closed doors. Government leaders cannot continue to talk of the importance of education and prioritize it as number one only in speeches. It is their responsibility to provide the basic needs to make teaching an accountable profession with an open house policy for all to see.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed A few attributes for success are:
	Having knowledge of the subject matter along with a variety of styles, methods, and materials for instruction to students with different learning needs and abilities
	Creating a non-threatening environment where only mutual respect is tolerated
	Promoting cultural background through projects and activities
	Seeking assistance for those with special needs that cannot be met in the classroom setting
	Seeking assistance from other teachers
	Challenging all students regardless of their academic level or ability
	Wearing the hat and performing the duties of every other profession to strengthen that of teaching

One lesson every student should learn
No one knows everything. Learning is a never-ending activity.

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