Janet Bertrand • Dixie, Grades 2-3

“I have one of the greatest jobs in the world in the role I play along with families in helping each student reach his or her highest potential- academically and on a personal satisfaction level. Each day it is my responsibility and my privilege as a teacher to recognize and cultivate varying abilities, interests, learning styles, backgrounds, and talents of all of my individual students. I must consider the individual student and plan my instruction to fit his or her individual needs whenever possible.”

Beth Drake • Yates, Library Media Specialist

“When students walk through the doors of the Media Center, I believe they should be entering a world where knowledge and information are treasured above almost everything else. It’s my responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared to absorb that knowledge and use it to better themselves and others. If every responsibility is really an opportunity, then I’m thankful every day that so many opportunities walk through my doors.”

Linda Goins • Henry Clay, Advanced and General Biology

“Knowledge is Power signifies to me that our education will always be a part of who we are and always a resource in our lives.”

Donna Lewis • The Academy, Music; Northern, Piano Lab

“Due to our fast paced, high tech society, one of the greatest challenges in education today is keeping children focused and motivated to learn. Focus and motivation are essential to the learning process. Making learning fun fosters motivation and encourages focus. Music is one way to engage children in the learning process. It is my responsibility to teach children how to treat others, as well as instill in them the joy of making music. I believe with these 2 skills, success in life will follow.”

Mollie Moore • Athens, Grade 4

“As a teacher, my goal is to create a safe and productive learning environment where all students are challenged to meet their highest potential.”