Tara Sparks
Missouri Teacher of the Year
Sperreng Middle School, St. Louis, MO
Grade 8, English

My teaching philosophy
I believe that students need to be actively engaged and motivated to learn. Authentic activities are necessity in every classroom.

My philosophy in action
I have students design and publish websites of their work. Students also write a research paper that is reformulated into a presentation for a class-service project.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Every time the “light bulb” goes off for a student who does not understand a concept.

The most critical issue facing educators today
Losing class time for motivating and authentic activities to testing is a major issue today.

Ways to resolve this issue
Integrate testing concepts into authentic learning situations.

One thought to inspire other teachers to succeed
Keep learning because there is always a new method that will motivate both you and your students.

One lesson every student should learn
Empathize with others.

Back to the 2004 Teacher Profiles home page