Mary Kay Rendock
Connecticut Teacher of the Year
Carmen Arace Intermediate School, Bloomfield
Grade 5, Language Arts

My teaching philosophy
I believe every child can be successful in school. Some simply need the tools necessary. Children need to learn how to be positive and reach for the stars. They need to know that it is cool to be intelligent, caring individuals. We as teachers need to help them accomplish these goals through praise, high expectations and modeling. We must remember that we serve as children's role models daily.

My philosophy in action
My beliefs are incorporated into my classroom everyday. Children are allowed to upgrade most assignments to get the most out of the experience. They are expected to constantly strive to make good decisions, whether someone is watching them or not. I make praising my kids a priority. It's hard to catch me without a smile, and my room is always full of laughter and hugs!

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Spreading the joy of community service, or service learning as it's now known, is my greatest accomplishment. My classroom has been a center for countless projects, from donating money to local food banks, to raising money for pediatric cancer research. I believe my community activism has inspired others in my building to follow. Our teachers have realized that teaching students to be empathetic and generous members of society is as important as teaching our curriculum.

The most critical issues facing educators today
I believe parental apathy is the most challenging issue facing teachers. In my district we struggle with the lack of parental involvement daily, and it almost always negatively effects the children. Whether it's lack of homework guidance, or no follow through with consequences, I feel very challenged without help from home.

Ways to resolve this issue
I believe we as teachers must respect cultural sensitivities and reach out to our parents. Even reluctant parents will respond when they feel I am approaching them on their terms. Each year I make certain to make a positive hello phone call during the first week of school to ensure a connection before I may need to call and ask for help. I bend over backwards to get in touch with them, often giving out my home phone and cell phone. I accommodate almost any convenient conference time, just to get them in. I often share stories about my own children to make people feel like there are others out there experiencing the same frustrations as they are.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Teachers touch a child's soul forever.

One lesson every student should learn
Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do.

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