Kim Burke-Ables
District of Columbia Teacher of the Year
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Washington, D.C.
Grades 9,11 and 12, Biology

My teaching philosophy
All students no matter their background, socio-economic status or race, are capable of acquiring knowledge with understanding, and can become productive members of society.

My philosophy in action
All students come to me with a clean slate. I consider their past performance as a predictor of their potential success. As an educator I have the potential to touch a student's life in a positive manner. In my classroom, students are safe to make mistakes and learn from their mistakes. Students are allowed to take risks, and the risks most often lead to a learning experience with a lasting impact.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest teaching accomplishment can be found in the comment of one of my shy, reserved students named Alexandria. A month ago she asked if it was possible to take my course again just for fun. From a quiet, reserved student this was quite a compliment.

The most critical issue facing educators today
The most critical issue facing educators today is the lack of consistent support for new, as well as seasoned teachers. Teachers carry too heavy of a workload. We have such a myriad of responsibilities that we don't have the opportunity to master any one activity or task.

Ways to resolve this issue
Administration needs to be more strategic with teacher placement. Schools need to be adequately staffed so the needs of our students can truly take precedence.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
"Excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible." Unknown

One lesson every student should learn
How to love learning just for the sake of learning, not just for earning a grade, and how to share that knowledge with someone who would not normally have access to such knowledge.

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