Gary Carmichael
Montana Teacher of the Year
Whitefish High School, Whitefish
Grades 9-12, United States History and Modern World History

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is an art; one that not only needs practice but an appreciation of the changing society and technology as well as the ability to adapt methods to fit one’s audience.

My philosophy in action
I believe students who are actively engaged as working historians, who are analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing information, can discover not only the content being taught, but can also internalize the problem-solving process that will serve them well as they apply those skills later in life. That is what teaching is all about – preparing students for the future.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Receiving correspondence and visits from former students telling me my class was worthwhile.

The most critical issues facing educators today
In the area of technology in schools, there is an issue of equitable access and use, as well as insuring our students are technologically literate.

Ways to resolve this issue
We need to prepare students for the future and the ever-changing world to become problem solvers that are fluent in today’s technology and able to adapt to new technologies. Not only do we need to teach thinking and media literacy skills, but we must also encourage innovation and adaptation as we equip our students with tools for the future.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Think BIG! Start small. As educators, we are much like our students: we build upon our successes and learn from our failures. Success breeds success, so as we reach short-term attainable goals, we can’t help but be successful in improving education.

One lesson every student should learn
Students who are actively involved as working historians can discover not only the content being taught and the technological skills being used, but also the problem-solving processes they will need later in life, That is what teaching is all about: Preparing students for the future.

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