Sarah L. Morris
West Virginia Teacher of the Year
Berkeley Springs High School, Berkeley Springs
Grades 9-12, English, AP Language and Composition, College English 101 and 102

My teaching philosophy
My philosophy of teaching promotes an investment in learning, creates a learning community, and allows for self-reflection. The purpose of education is not just to broaden the world, but to broaden students’ views of the world. Total immersion in relevant, real-world learning is the key to successful education. In the 21st century, productive adults must have intellectual, social, physical, and technological skills that are applicable in a global society. It is a teacher’s responsibility to provide an environment that is engaging and interactive and to include relevant and rigorous skills-based content for all students. Real education provides the learner with multiple ways of making meaning in all the world, and the world—not just the learner—is made richer for having that knowledge.

My philosophy in action
High performing teachers demonstrate mastery of their content, create and integrate meaningful learning experiences, contribute to a school’s effectiveness, support students in a variety of endeavors, and meaningfully connect with parents and community. I support students as learners by first being a learner myself; I seek new experiences in and out of the classroom, and I learn every day from my students. Because I have a degree in English, I know my subject matter well, but I regularly take classes and read research to ensure my expertise. I share this knowledge with my students and colleagues. I coach teams, attend performances, belong to social groups, take classes, and teach in my community. I am a learner-leader for students and peers; the whole world is a classroom, every interaction an experience for teaching and learning.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
I swore, when I decided to become a teacher, that I would see each child as an individual, that I would try to acknowledge the gifts and abilities of even the most difficult and troubled kids. On my best days, I do this—I do it knowingly, and willingly, and my students recognize it. This is my very greatest accomplishment, but it’s a complicated task and one I do not achieve as often as I wish.

The most critical issues facing educators today
Our world is rapidly changing, and the influx of new information and technology makes our students, in some ways, more fluent and up-to-date learners than their teachers. If we fail to maintain our own levels of understanding, we run the risk of inadequately preparing students for a productive future. Apathy, access to unlimited, mindless entertainment, and the prevalence of hedonism make real learning less immediately appealing to learners today. We fight a battle against distraction every day, and it’s often one we are not prepared to face.

Ways to resolve this issue
Teachers must change. We must adapt to the 21st century, accept that our students are digital natives, and learn as much as we can from them about technology. In addition, we must provide students with the critical thinking skills they need to accurately understand, assess, and make decisions about the massive amounts of information they encounter every day. We can’t stop the technology or the information—we must offer students the thinking skills necessary for true, rational understanding.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
The success of any one of us is directly related to the efforts of every one of us. None of us is in this alone.

One lesson every student should learn
My life’s greatest lesson is to keep learning lessons. Every contact, every conversation, every moment is a lesson. Learning is unlimited.

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