Distinguished Teacher Jennifer Rivera

Never stop learning and improving your practice. Communicate early and often with as many parents as you can; cultivate a good relationship and they can be your greatest asset in the classroom. Take your vitamins, eat well, and find a healthy outlet for stress. Take your students out into the community as often as possible. When conflict arises, try to see the situation from the other person's point of view; empathy is instantly disarming.

The best thing about teaching for me is taking a person who is completely dependent on others for all aspects of daily living and making her/ him as independent as s/he can be.