Christina Ward
 District TOY
 2010-2011

 Teaching has changed my life because I am able to do more than just teach a language. I inspire, challenge, mentor, nurture, counsel and befriend each student who enters my classroom. Teaching has allowed me to have a positive impact on so many students and their lives. At the end of the day; I know I have tried my best to reach every student who walks through my door in a positive way. I can't think of another profession that would give me such rewards.  Christina was named the HS 9/10 Building TOY for 2009-2010.

Susan Teague
Surrey Hills
TOY 2009-2010

I fell in love with teaching at a young age. As a child I spent a lot of time with my great aunt, who was a teacher.  Her love for children and teaching was contagious.  I can look back now and see that I was being guided to the path I was meant to take.  The legacy my aunt started is now continued through the wonderful educators I work with.  They encourage me with their desire to make a difference, willingness to help, and positive attitudes.

 

Kelsey Thompson
High School 11/12 
TOY 2009-2010

The experience of teaching has taught me that it’s the little things in life that matter. It’s seeing a student make an A and be so excited because it’s been a while since that happened. It’s knowing I have helped someone believe in him or herself just a little more than he or she did before entering my classroom. 

Heather Williams
Parkland
TOY 2009-2010

Achieving my goal to become a teacher has enriched my life in numerous ways. Ironically, teaching has taught me as much, if not more than I have taught. One of my favorite quotes ,“Teaching children about life, while they teach us what life is all about” says it all. Almost daily, I am inspired to view something in a brand new light if only I take the time to see it through that particular child’s eyes.  

Nicole DeVault
Skyview
TOY 2009-2010

I have always found myself fascinated with children- their curiosity, their eagerness to learn, their need for acceptance, their resilience. Each day I have so many amazing responsibilities: reaching those hard to reach students, showing each child their potential, listening to their heart’s desires, lifting up their broken spirits, exciting their minds to our world, pushing them one step further, and providing a safe place where they encourage one another.

 

Simon Gallagher
Indepndence Middle School
TOY 2009-2010

Throughout my years as a teacher, I have had the pleasure of helping so many young people find success in their education and in themselves. But the best experiences have been in realizing how much my students have been able to teach me about myself, about life, and about those things that matter the most to all of us. 

Mindy Yoos
Myers
TOY 2009-2010

I wanted to be a teacher every since I was in the 2nd grade. I think that was the first time that I realized what impact they can have on our lives. Being a teacher has helped shape me who I am in all aspects of my life. Teaching continues to be a very rewarding experience for me. You have to love what you do and be willing to continue learning along with your students. 

Heather Cromwell
Shedeck
TOY 2009-2010

Being a teacher has impacted my life in many ways. Seeing kids getting excited about an experiment in science or finally understanding math well enough to raise their grade is very rewarding. The relationships I have with my students while they are in my classroom and then into the future as I attend their graduations and even weddings touch my heart each year.  

Tracy Rogers
Central 
TOY 2009-2010

My experiences as a teacher have a constant impact. They keep me personally accountable because someone (big or small) is always watching and learning from me. Each student has their own story, background, and individuality, and understanding that has helped me develop more empathy towards others. Knowing what I do or say can impact a student and the decisions they make are profound. I learn as much or more about life and people from them as they learn from me. 
 

Russ Islas
Ranchwood 
TOY 2009-2010

I was not planning on becoming a teacher until I was a sophomore in college. It was the first time that I heard about Special Education. It has been a wonderful journey and experience for me to teach these many years. I have realized success with my students and have continued to reach goals in education. I am a more literate and well-rounded individual because of my educational teaching abilities. 

Rachel Anderson
Lakeview
TOY 2009-2010

Over the course of sixteen years, I have been blessed to teach hundreds of students whose faces and personalities have left imprints on my heart forever. I have grown as an educator and as an individual, and my experiences have taught me priceless lessons about learning and about life. My students’ natural curiosity about life and their constant questioning motivate me to continually explore new topics.