2004 Teacher of the Year - Roxie Ahlbrecht
 |
|
Roxie Ahlbrecht
Second Grade
Robert Frost Elementary School
Sioux Falls, SD |
"Teaching has been a life's dream and
passion for as long as I can remember...It was never "if" I went to
college, but "when" I went to college to be a teacher....Teaching has
become more than a job that brings home a paycheck. It is building
trust, making a connection with individual students...I believe it is
the most important job I could possibly have."
"I love watching a
student get the look in their eye that says, 'I understand.' It is
extremely satisfying to observe them grasp concepts and gain an
understanding of skills over time, and then to know that I am making
an impact on their academic performance, as well as their attitude
toward learning...I get to observe the miracle of learning first hand
every day, knowing I make a difference in each child's school
experience."
"I believe learning will thrive in a caring, community environment
where students get to know each other, feel secure enough to take a
risk, and learn from their mistakes. Being accountable means knowing
your students and their passions so that you can use that information
to encourage, support, and impact their learning. All students deserve
to be held to high expectations and know their teacher believes they
can not only accomplish those expectations, but will be there to offer
the support necessary to achieve."
"It is our responsibility [as teachers] to make learning meaningful
and purposeful for each child...[We] must differentiate instruction to
meet the distinct needs of individuals in the classroom and move their
learning forward. Every student deserves to know what success feels
like and a highly qualified teacher who knows his or her subject
matter and has a deep understanding of his or her students will be
able to accomplish this challenge." |
