Distinguished Teacher Caroline Mar

New teachers should take deep breaths, and find a little time each day to think about something other than teaching - even if only 30 minutes. Within your teaching practice, never give up improving your practice and delighting in your own learning, because every year as a teacher is new in some way. Finally, in the face of all the hard stuff, the best responses are usually love and laughter - it sounds sentimental but those two things can disarm people who are seemingly in opposition to you and can also help you stay positive even in the face of obstacles. Being human with your kids, your colleagues, and your community is important.

The best thing about teaching is watching kids embrace and track their own progress. That sense of accomplishment and empowerment isn't something you can just impart to someone - it's something they discover through achievement.