Maria D. Popson (Lucy)
Arizona Teacher of the Year:
Walter Douglas Elementary School, Tucson
Grade 3, all subjects

My teaching philosophy
I believe that in education there is no room for mediocrity. What we give to our students must be first class service. Teaching is more than a simple job, it is an extraordinary responsibility. It is my personal commitment to help students become productive and caring individuals; skilled adults who are able to make wise decisions based on reason and facts. "If you can do better, why settle for less?" is the key motto that directs the actions of my students and me. I do not ask my students to do something I am not willing to do myself. I believe in the power of positive reinforcement. I am never tired of praising my students when they show effort and do well on tests or other assignment. "I can't" is not a welcome phrase in my classroom. I encourage my students to be thinkers. I believe students need to be taught different subjects from an early age so they will explore and expand their knowledge about the world around them. My teaching styles focuses on the multiple intelligences. I always have in mind how my students will perform in the upper grades, high school, and college. My classroom is an extension of my home, and I make it comfortable and inviting for my students. My classroom is also a workplace where learning is happening every day. I like to establish and follow a routine that creates a well-structured learning environment. I have high expectations, not only for my students but for me as well. I like to plan ahead and have clear objectives for every lesson I teach. Teachers can never be over prepared! I believe that the overall success of students is the result of team effort. Effective teaching happens when there is collaboration: classroom teacher, principal, counselor, reading specialist, ELL instructors, and parents working together to help students succeed.

My philosophy in action
I believe in making teaching fun and meaningful. My lessons use concrete objects, real-life experiences, role playing, music, art, puppets, and games. It is not uncommon to see my students wearing costumes or masks, manipulating objects such blocks, rocks, shells,magnets, coins, measuring tools, etc. We are always conducting experiments to prove differen ideas or concepts. My students participate in cooperative groups and are always doing hands-on activities. It is fun to watch my students being actively involved in their own learning. I do not want any child left behind. As soon as I am aware of a student who is struggling academically, I communicate with the parents immediately. I encourage the parents to send the child to the classroom at 7:30 in the morning so I can provide extra support through one-on-one instruction in their specific area of need.

We make time to have fun too! In my classroom, students have different opportunities to earn rewards such as the "Homework Hall of Fame", "Active Listener of the Week", "Top Reader of the Month." They recieve certificates and cool prizes. If you come to my classroom on a special day, you may see my students and me dancing and singing in celebration. My students know that there is a time for everything – a time to work and study, and a time to enjoy our friendships.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest contribution to education is my eleven years of continuous devotion to my students. I give all that I have to my profession. Every year, I am proud of my students for showing growth in reading and math, and for performing at superior levels in state-mandated tests. I feel certain that I have done a good job giving my students the essential tools they need to be successful. As a teacher, I have a responsibility to help my students have a bright, happy future. Letters from my students say: "You are fun to be with," "Thank you for teaching me all the things I needed to know for fourth grade," and "I will treasure you." Reflecting on these letters confirms for me that I have done my job as a teacher and a friend to many students over the past eleven years.

The most critical issues facing educators today
What people see or hear in the news about education today encompasses issues such as drop out rates, budget cuts, teachers' salaries, school safety, school ratings, state-mandated testing, and lack of support. The picture painted by the media of the status of our public school system seems tainted by this reporting.

Ways to resolve this issue
I feel that teachers and administrators should join forces and change the opinion that the general public has of our schools. "Focus on the positive, don't dwell on the negative," should be our message to the local and national news channels. We deserve the right to portray more of the success stories that do happen every day in our classrooms. It would be a good idea to have a permanent spot in the news broadcasts on a weekly basis and allow schools to choose a "success story of the week" to share with viewers. This spot on television would highlight students' accomplishments in all grade levels. We need to feature the magical moments that happen in our schools, and go unnoticed, to gain more advocates for public schools outside of education. I would like to see more lawmakers and business leaders visiting classrooms, interacting with students, and talking to teachers to have a better understanding of how schools operate. I feel that this firs-hand experience would have a positive impact on their decision making.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Teachers are a source of hope for many children. Teachers are the most important adults in their lives outside the home. Teachers become a personification of safety, leadership, love, and acceptance. Teachers can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. We can't control or change the home environment in which kids live, but we have the power to provide them with the tools to build a better future for themselves.

One lesson every student should learn
I want my students to know that I believe in them, and that they, too, should believe in themselves, and not let anything or anybody get in the way of reaching their goals.

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