Pamela England
Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Forrest City Junior High, Forrest City, AR
Grade 9, Algebra and Geography

My teaching philosophy
I believe all children can learn, and it is my challenge to find the most effective teaching methods in which to achieve the highest level of learning from my students. As teachers we mentor, counsel, encourage, and are positive role models for future adults. Our day is not over at 3:45. Teaching is not a job. Teaching is a way of life.

My philosophy in action
All children are required to learn in my classroom. Everyone is expected to do their best. Just passing is not good enough if you can achieve more. Students know that I will not allow them to give up. I will continue to visit them at their desks. I also take the time to attend their events after school and take an interest in them outside the school environment. The unmotivated students finally realize that I care and that crazy teacher is not going to give up. They just finally start trying. I expect ALL students to do their BEST. Because of this, test scores have risen from 5% to 87% in Geometry and Algebra increased to 78%. All students are involved and are a part of the educational environment.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishments are those of my students. Of course raising test scores from 5% to 87% in Geometry and gaining respect from my peers is rewarding: however, I am reassured of my worth as a contributor to our future when students write letters telling of their accomplishments and how teachers made the difference. They have been so touched that former students have bestowed upon me the honor of Who's Who Among American Teachers for the past 5 years. I smile with pride when students tell me they want to be a teacher because of their experiences in my classroom. What an honor!

The most critical issues facing educators today
Public education faces an array of challenges. The public tends to jump on the wagon and criticize the educational system causing a negative learning atmosphere. Also, students are much more complex learners than even yesterday's learners. They require more rigorous training and motivation than ever before.

Ways to resolve this issue
As teachers, we must involve the public with the educational system. Emphasize the good and positive things that are happening. Negative comments should be minimized. Instead, find solutions in which everyone can become involved with. Negativity flies freely on its own. We do not need to promote its progress. Start working on solutions and positive attitudes in the community and the school environment. As educators, we must also constantly change to meet our students' needs. Our world is always changing. We must continue our training to stay current with students' needs. Also, we must be willing to change our methods of teaching to address all learning styles. Positive rewards for "doing your best" not "just passing" may help motivate students to excel. Get involved and find out students' interests and use them as a tool to motivate. Parents and teachers must have the high expectation of students doing their "best" not just getting by.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
You are an educator. You are a part of a profession that has the greatest impact on future generations of society. Be excited and proud of your profession. You "will" affect the lives of many students and the generations that follow. Make your impact a positive one!

One lesson every student should learn
You hold your future in your hand. You may choose to use the greatest and most powerful tool or let it slip through your fingers. Education is this tool. A good education is your only "ace in the hole". Sure, some have great careers based on talent and luck. But if you want to play the game of life well, you want to play it with the best odds of winning. A good education promises 100% to open doors for you and put you on a level playing field. Increase your odds of winning with your "ace in the hole"– education.

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