Karen Heath
Vermont Teacher of the Year
Barre City Elementary and Middle School, Barre, VT
Grades Three through Six, Language Arts

My teaching philosophy
I believe teaching is a work of heart. When a teacher really pours his or her heart into what he or she is doing, excellence follows. This is a result of pursuing professional development, forming meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, and being excited about the subject matter taught, thereby bringing students' work to life.

My philosophy in action
Each day I make a concerted effort to put my heart into what I do. I try my best to connect with each child, colleague, or parent I have contact with. Kids want to be listened to, more than anything else. Yes, they have to listen to me too, but I like to create a classroom community where mutual respect is the norm.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Working with others, I successfully created and implemented three very different educational programs. One was an inner city alternative school site for high school dropouts, second was a school component of a residential program for kids in state's custody, and the third an accelerated language arts program for motivated elementary and middle school students.

The most critical issues facing educators today
I see school readiness as a critical issue. We can do everything in our power to help a child once he or she arrives at school, but from the very youngest to the high school senior, if what is taught at school is not reinforced at home, it is a great challenge to be really successful as an educator. This does not give us permission not to try–we still need to do all we can.

Ways to resolve this issue
Some ideas I have are family/school coordination, making school a welcome place for parents, helping parents to overcome their dislike or fear of schools, and adult education through the public schools. I also believe after-school programs can be excellent.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Never be afraid to ask for help. Keep open to learning. We all need to be learning every day too, and putting ourselves in the positions we ask kids to be in. This includes learning: about our subject matter, better ways to deliver it, our students and how they work, and ourselves.

One lesson every student should learn
Hard work is worth it. Period.

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