Pam Walker
Georgia Teacher of the Year
Alexander High School, Douglasville
Grades 9-11, Honours Physical Science, Honours Biology, Chemistry

My teaching philosophy
I believe that every child can learn, given the right tools and motivation. Neuroscientists confirm that the brain learns best when students are exposed to novel and new ideas and teaching is done with emotion. I think it imperative that teachers be masters of creativity in the classroom and they teach with passion, energy, and excitement.

My philosophy in action
One of the main tools I employ in the classroom is variety. I believe lessons must be introduced with an intriguing essential question(s). Hook or sponge activities are used to engage the learner and “wake up the brain”. Teaching strategies are geared so my classroom is student focused and my role is that as a “guide on the side” rather than a “sage on the stage”. Effective questioning techniques are used to help establish students’ prior knowledge and catch misconceptions about topics. Units are wrapped up with summative activities that require the student to put the learning into his own words, so he begins to take ownership of the material and cement it into long term memory. I am a huge advocate of standard-based education, performance-based assessments, and inquiry labs. I believe these will help us to meet the demands of 21st century employers who expect our graduates to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, team players, and effective communicators.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
I was recently selected as a Master Teacher in Georgia. I am a member of the initial crop of Master Teachers, who will now be eligible to serve as Academic Coaches, if they so choose. We were chosen based on student achievement statistics in our classes. I also am the author of over 20 science teacher resource books, several library sets of science books, and a biology textbook. Two of my forensic science books, Crime Scene Investigations, were best sellers for Prentice Hall and were featured in an article in the Wall Street Journal. My writing has given me the opportunity to travel and speak to teachers around the country, and, in doing so, help others to see that we must teach science with real life applications.

I also serve as the Douglas County High School Science resource teacher.

The most critical issues facing educators today
I believe schools must answer the demands of the work force, and produce graduates who are ready for college, vocational school, or the world of work. Teachers are saddled with the responsibility of helping students be problem solvers and critical thinkers. Gone are the days of students who sit quietly, memorize information, and refuse to question and explore. The 21st century student demands engagement and expects to be an active participant in the learning process. Teachers must be very innovative and find ways to help students to use higher level thinking skills and explore solutions to real life problems. As experts say, good problem solvers devote 5% of energy to the problem and 95% to the solution. In other words, educators must employ out-of-the-box thinking to meet these demands. In turn, we will be able to produce students who will be fully capable of using lateral thinking to function in 21st century society.

Ways to resolve this issue
Teachers must be taught to be critical thinkers and educational leaders must applaud teachers who use innovative and creative methodology. I believe colleges must make their teacher education programs more rigorous and there must be more exposure to activities that require higher level thinking skills. Effective staff development activities and more opportunities for collaboration among teachers can be used to harness the creativity that rests inside all educators. Common planning time is a must for high school teachers within the same discipline. Teachers should also be encouraged to visit the classrooms of fellow teachers in order to learn new and innovative ways to capture the attention of learners.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
One of my favorite quotes is by an educator, Susan Saltrich. She uses an analogy to compare teaching to dancing. She says, “Education is like a dance. It requires flexibility and a wide repertoire of techniques. The choreography between the teacher and student is such that sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow, but always you match your steps to those with whom you dance.” I believe that and I know that teachers, like all good dancers, must do what it takes to improve their footwork so we can dance effectively with each and every child, no matter who they are.

One lesson every student should learn
The French philosopher Voltaire says the most courageous decision we make each day is the decision to be in a good mood – to have a positive attitude. I think students will enjoy each day of their lives more when they face it with a positive attitude. There are many things about life we can’t change, but the thing we have total and complete control over is our attitude.

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