Debi Gaines
Wyoming Teacher of the Year
Saratoga Elementary, Saratoga, WY
First grade, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
My philosophy of teaching is that if teachers are committed and competent, they will be able to provide students with strategies, behaviors, attitudes and goals that will have a positive impact on their learning. Teachers should provide students with processes such as inquiry, reflection, exploration and experimentation, rather than collect rigid teaching procedures and methods. I also believe teachers need constant professional growth, instructional improvement, need to work collaboratively, need to have a shared vision, (motivating and organizing), assess outcomes, and have good community relations.

My philosophy in action
I am always striving for the goals as stated above. I am always looking for ways to enhance my instruction. Since starting to teach, I have never gone a full year without taking some sort of professional development class or conference. There is solid evidence of the potential effects of instructional innovations such as teaching skills and technologies have a strong impact on student's ability to learn. These staff development address emergent instructional needs, and have a powerful effect on the teacher as well as the student. I am always trying to facilitate student achievement and introduce new strategies and varied methods.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishment was when my peers and parents named me as "District Teacher of the Year." I was then named "State Teacher of the Year." These honors have overwhelmed me. However the biggest accomplishment or reward is from the notes and letters I have received from students, parents, and fellow staff members. I have always felt it is vital for teachers to be positive, reflective, and motivating role models. I am always striving to be the best I can be. It is a teacher's responsibility to be involved in every aspect of school. I currently serve as the District Language Arts Chairperson, North Central Accreditation Team, and PTO Representative. I believe another of my greatest teaching accomplishment is truly loving what I do.

The most critical issues facing educators today
The current challenge facing every teacher is implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. The intent of NCLB is wonderful and is setting the stage for sweeping educational reforms nation wide. It is at the application level that some revisions could prove beneficial. NCLB was written with large urban schools in mind. NCLB should be viewed as guidelines and not as an exact recipe for success.

Ways to resolve this issue
There needs to be a representative and role model for all teachers work collaboratively with state and local officials to bring about further implementation of the admirable goals established by NCLB. We need to set attainable goals for our teachers and students and make annual assessments to measure our gains. Teachers, parents, and students working together towards a common goal are the real keys to academic success. Any form of meaningful school improvement must incorporate all three. We are a nation that is in great need to recognize what is truly important...our children and educating them the best way we can. Being an educator and one who truly cares I believe we need to work together as a nation to ensure that indeed no child is left behind.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Enjoy what you do! Enjoy the opportunity to implement new strategies and see how they affect students. Gather data about student achievement and work collaboratively with other teachers to make data drive decisions. It is pertinent to make continual assessments in order to achieve academic success for our students. Be a positive, reflective and motivating role model! Remember you are an important part of our nation's future to make a difference.

One lesson every student should learn
Desire, responsibility, and motivation are the keys to success. Learning is an ongoing task that will not only enrich us, but enable us to live in an environment that emphasizes lifelong learning and enhances our quality of life.

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