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Distinguished Teacher Ziba Mayar

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

Believe that all students, no matter their challenges, can succeed and make this your teaching philosophy. Recognize that student achievement is directly linked to your ability and insight to meet the unique needs of all students. This will shield you and your students from the excuses, labels, and external circumstances that are too often blamed for poor achievement. Finally, put this philosophy into action by developing a teaching style and curriculum that transforms and modifies itself to the ever changing needs of your students. In doing so, you will not only excel in your craft but develop a passion and joy that makes teaching the most gratifying of all careers.

What's the best thing about teaching?

Helping students abandon their personal, social, and academic struggles by engaging them in the thrill of academic success is what makes teaching dynamic, exciting, and rewarding every day. As educators we have a very special opportunity to draw students into an environment where their passions are developed and understood, their learning needs are recognized, nurtured and challenged, and their goals (no matter what they may be) are made possible by making the crucial link to education.