"Our job as teachers is to help our students learn all life skills. The biggest impact I can make in the classroom is providing a safe space where students feel loved so they can learn."

"Success involves a good relationship with all participants: students, parents, fellow teachers and administration. Be brave, be present and always be reaching."

"What I enjoy most about teaching is watching the students become more confident as the school year progresses. I am always impressed by the students who don't participate at the beginning of the year grow in their self confidence and become leaders."

"I really enjoy the many different challenges that each day brings. Often times children require me to get creative in how I can present the concept in a meaningful way that helps them connect these challenges with the new knowledge to their prior knowledge."

"We should all strive to make a difference in the lives of children, instill hope, and challenge each student to take a risk with courage and belief in themselves."

"Every student matters and we must strive to reach the needs of all students.  Make each day the best for your students and let them know you care. Meet your students where they are to help them achieve their goals."

"Teaching is a passion that ignites students desire to learn and grow into tomorrow's future! It isn’t for the faint at heart but worth the investment in our future leaders of tomorrow!"

"My goal is making sure that the students know that they are loved and that they are wanted at school. It makes the students feel like this is their home away from home. No matter what happens in their life, school is a safe place with safe people who care about them. "

"I love learning, and I love helping all students, especially special education students, get past the frustrations typically associated with learning to the moment where they see in themselves the ability to conquer great things through their previously undiscovered abilities."

"I love being part of a district that cares for the young people of our community by encouraging them to get involved in school activities and community events. Enid Public Schools and I share the belief that we want to see the youth in our classrooms become successful adults.  I hope these young students stay in our community to become future teachers, business owners and leaders!"

"Students need to feel loved and welcomed before they are ready to do hard things. Learning is hard but can be done when you have a teacher who cares enough to reach you on your level and bring you up to your full potential."

"As a Library Media Specialist, I have the opportunity to form a personal connection with students through the love of reading. It is truly heartwarming to see students grow and experience the joy of Reading. I believe that students who experience the joy of reading at a young age will become life-long learners."

"I enjoy seeing how confident students start becoming in math topics when they start their education experience as a 6th  grader up until they are in the 8th grade. It is always nice to hear the students say "I got this" or "That's easy" after they have been struggling with a certain math topic for awhile."

"I feel honored each year that I am able to be their teacher and am able to pour what I have to give into them. Middle schoolers are some of the best people on the planet, and I love being a part of their journey."

"Implementing self directed learning while offering guidance, support and encouragement will allow students the opportunity to take ownership of their educational journey.  I am dedicated to guiding my fellow educators, and the community towards helping our students reach their full potential."

"As an educator, we wake up every morning with the one of the greatest opportunities that life has to offer; every morning we are given the opportunity to change a child’s life for the better. We are difference-makers; we are teachers. Carpe diem, fellow educators, because today is a good day to do good things."