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Distinguished Teacher Nathan Richard Fairchild

What advice would you give to people considering a career in teaching?

Students flourish within the boundaries of a well-managed class, so set clear standards and be consistent in your expectations. Learning also is fostered by taking a genuine interest in your students, so even as you discipline them, do so with care and gentleness. The content areas will take care of themselves if you reflect on your teaching each day.

What's the best thing about teaching?

I don't teach science, I teach children. Yesterday, a boy who used to fail grew bright-eyed when I asked him to commit to attending a solid four-year university after high school, and I am grateful to have been a part of that new level of commitment. The waves of positive instruction and connections will ripple forth in ways unimaginable.