“I don't really plan on being a teacher. I just need to do this to get my degree and graduate.” Those were my first words to my cooperating teacher as I began student teaching. Thankfully she did not write me off that moment as a hopeless cause. Instead she encouraged me to watch and listen from the back of the room. I think it took me exactly two hours and I was completely hooked. I was enamored with her ability to motivate the students. Her enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring. Quickly I amended my initial statement and realized that not only was I going to teach, but I was also meant to teach. Ten years later I still cannot believe that I ever said those words, nor can I imagine myself in any other profession.

This year will be my 10th year as an elementary teacher of grades 2-4 for the Meade School District in Sturgis, South Dakota. I recently obtained my master's degree in curriculum and instruction with a math specialist's endorsement from Black Hills State University. In addition to teaching I also have had the opportunity to provide my colleagues with professional development. For the past three years I have been a teacher leader in a project called South Dakota Counts. This project provides math training to teacher leaders and then the teacher leaders return to their school district and provide the same training to their colleagues. Through this project I have become a dynamic math teacher and taken on leadership within my district.

My accomplishments as a teacher are numerous and diverse. In the classroom I have the knack to motivate, encourage, and inspire. I was the Meade School District Teacher of the Year in 2003. I have been the advisor for organizations that range from student council to a Girl's Confidence Course. I have taken leadership roles that include developing a standards-based report card and writing the South Dakota State Math Standards.

In addition to classroom responsibilities, I also make it a point to support my students outside the classroom. I have greatly broadened my horizons by becoming immersed in their lives. I make it a point to attend games, dance recitals, plays, rodeo queen contests, Tae Kwon Do, birthday parties, or even go horseback riding. Through these activities I have developed a rapport with the students and the families that have made me an influential part of their lives. I have the trust of the parents and families, and in turn that gives me the capacity to gain parent and student commitment in my classroom.

I believe that with an effective teacher every child will learn. Part of being an effective teacher is focusing on what students can do rather than what they cannot. I ensure that I am an effective teacher by spending a good amount of my time outside of school discovering the best research-based methods through reading books or attending classes. I would like to help more teachers be voracious learners.