Marlene Srock
North Dakota Teacher of the Year
Bel Air Elementary, Minot
Grade 1

My teaching philosophy
I believe we educate children to help them acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary in order to live socially productive and personally satisfying lives in our constantly changing world. When our children leave our schools, they need to be prepared to participate in their own personal growth, the work environment, and the community. Social growth is an important component of a child’s development. It is important to give students the opportunities to work independently and with others. It is my goal to help each child discipline his mind to learn in all situations and environments and with all types of technologies. I believe that each day, teachers have the responsibility to provide their students with opportunities, excitement, and a positive attitude for fun, meaningful learning.

My philosophy in action
Learning requires taking risks as we attempt to understand new ideas and explore the unknown. Because every child needs to feel free to take risks, it is important that my classroom provides an atmosphere that allows every child to feel secure and cared for. Students need to feel comfortable thinking about things in a new way. My goal is to provide opportunities for my students that require them to think harder and better. Children who are good thinkers are able to make good decisions that will better the world. As each child grows in confidence I hope to help them develop the intrinsic reward of learning that will motivate each of them to become a lifelong learner. I strive to be a role model of integrity, compassion, love, forgiveness, and a belief in self and others.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
There is little that one can compare to the joy of watching a child discover the thrill of being able to read. It is almost magical to watch as a child opens this new door to learning about his world.

The most critical issues facing educators today
Our schools must prepare all children for a future that we know will be very different from today.

We need to equip all children with the skills to be self-motivated, independent learners. Our current education system does not do that for all children. We need to address the inequities within our system so all schools are equipped with the staff, materials, and support they need to create an environment in which all children will flourish.

Ways to resolve this issue
In order to have successful schools for all children, we need to have a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. We need to provide ongoing staff development that will ensure that all teachers have access to knowledge of the best teaching practices. Teachers must be provided with the opportunity to work together to create a school atmosphere that recognizes the importance of ensuring the success of every student. We need to provide teachers with the teaching tools they need. We need to encourage all citizens to value education so there is consistent support for our schools. Working with community leaders, educators can lead the efforts to create schools that meet the needs of the varied learners in all classrooms.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Teachers must be the role models of integrity, compassion, love, forgiveness and a belief in self and others. “Few, if any of us, ever realize the far-reaching effects of our existence. The consequences of our choices and actions spread out into the world like ripples of water, affecting many people in ways we could never imagine. Your influence is etched in the lives of those who have been fortunate to be your pupil, your colleague, and your friend.”

One lesson every student should learn
If you think you can, you can.

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