Margaret Petty
Alabama Teacher of the Year
Rainbow Elementary School, Madison
Grade 3-6 Special Education, Math and Reading

My teaching philosophy
I am a strong supporter of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) program. I believe the goals stated in this law are right and appropriate. All students have the right to access general curriculum. There are, however, portions of this law that need to be altered. Some children with disabilities are being asked to participate in activities that are not appropriate for them. For example, when we ask children to participate in assessments that they simply cannot read, we destroy their self esteem and remind them once again of the failures they face in the world of education. This is a waste of money, time, and resources. I am in favor of assessments that help with accountability, but I feel we need to do a better job of choosing assessments for this unique group in our school population.

My philosophy in action
In order to allow students to receive access to the general curriculum, I spend 80% of my school day in collaborative classrooms. I work with teachers and students in an effort to allow students with disabilities to succeed in the general education classroom. I co-teach, re-teach, tutor, and collaborate with the general education teacher in an effort to help ALL students succeed and progress in these classrooms. I use five basic teaching models to promote learning. I exhibit an active and supportive role to help build and maintain a climate of acceptance and learning.
This year as the Alabama Teacher of the Year, I have traveled throughout this state presenting seminars and workshops to help other teachers be proficient in the collaborative model.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
If you were to ask my colleagues what my greatest accomplishments might be, they would probably talk about the nine years I have spent implementing the collaborative models in schools. I would not agree with this. I think my greatest accomplishments are found in my students. As I move about this community, I see my former students with disabilities who have become productive and responsible citizens. They are holding down jobs, and thus making a contribution to their circles of influence. In short, I feel I have been successful in preparing these individuals for life. What can be more significant than that!

The most critical issue facing educators today
I think the most critical issue facing educators today is providing the children of the United States with quality teachers. The goals of NCLB cannot be realized without the reality of great teaching. The world of education cannot be successful without quality teachers. Research substantiates the fact that the single most determining factor concerning student progress is the teacher. We as educators have to become better than we have ever been before. We can no longer use excuses to allow mediocrity in this noble profession. We must look for solutions and help all teachers develop such skills. We must learn how to educate good teachers, support them, and keep them in this profession.

Ways to resolve this issue
To ensure good teaching in classrooms across this nation, we must insist upon several reforms. First, the curriculum required in colleges and universities must be revised. Teachers must receive instruction that focuses not only on subject matter, but also on reaching and teaching all students. General education teachers need to learn strategies to use with struggling students. Secondly, mentoring programs for new teachers need to be reformed. Mentoring teachers must make sense to become truly supportive and productive. Thirdly, tenure needs to be eradicated. Finally, teachers must be required to receive and deliver professional development. We must do whatever it takes to ensure excellence in our schools across the nation.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Teachers must assume leadership according to E.M. Estes’s definition. This definition of leadership is as follows: “Leadership is the courage to admit mistakes, the vision to welcome change, the enthusiasm to motivate others, and the confidence to stay out of step when everyone else is marching to the wrong tune.”

One lesson every student should learn
Every student must learn that he/she can make a contribution to the classroom and that they are capable of learning and succeeding.

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