“Be the beacon that guides students”
"Receiving an education should inspire and encourage students to strive to be productive members of a community, great citizens, and meaningful contributors of society."--Tori Peddicord, Southern Middle School
Being the Constant for My Students
"It was and still is my mission that every student can exceed everyone's expectations given the appropriate environment and support so that they can become successful contributing members of society."--Tamara Saxon, MM@JAA Teacher
Creating an Engaging Environment for All Students
"Classrooms are not quiet. They should be filled with conversation and movement."--Amy Shinn, Central ES Teacher
Whatever it takes to help my students succeed in math
"If I can give them at least one year where they feel successful in math, then that will carry throughout high school."--Laura Casciato, Central Middle School
Championing the Whole Child
"Building relationships with my students and their families is at the core of my instructional success. I need to reach the whole child for my students to reach their fullest potential."--Kim Travers, MHES
Teaching with Love
"My mother was not an educator, however, she was my first teacher. She disciplined with love, and I try to do the same in my classroom."--Linda Ancin, Freetown Elementary
More than a Job: Teaching is a Passion
"My philosophy for teaching is very simple. Everything I do, every interaction that I have with my students, must serve the students to educate and make them feel empowered."--Stacey Scofield, Mills-Parole Elementary School Librarian
Four Elements that Drive My Classroom
"My experience has led me to hold four elements sacred in my classroom...high expectations, engaging & differentiated instruction, parent involvement, and a culture of student dignity & value."--Sally Paz y Miño Wilson, THES Teacher
Balancing Development & Knowledge in the Music Classroom
"Talent is only as developed as our mastery of skills allow. I have found that doing alone is not always enough--PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT, NOT NECESSARILY PERFECT."--Robert Stojakovich, MRMS Teacher
Building the Foundation of Learning Through Relationships
"I believe that building relationships with students and staff is the glue that holds all the essential components of teaching and learning together."--Nancy Hack-Behringer, Mayo Elementary Teacher
My Journey from Culinary Student to Culinary Teacher
"Of course, I want my students to learn the culinary knowledge and skills...Most importantly though...I want them to value the importance of professional growth, collaboration, and teamwork in all industries."--Pam Klink, CAT-North Teacher
Teaching Chose Me
"When I found the AVID program, I knew unequivocally that AACPS had been the right choice for me."--Alexis Pogonowski, AVID Teacher Specialist
Mr. Collins Sparked My Passion for Teaching
"As I look back on why I am the teacher I am today, I think of one man who truly was an inspiration to all who walked through the doors of Chesapeake High School." --Jennie Merrill, SPES