"I don't really plan on being a teacher. I just need to do this to get my degree and graduate." Those were my first words to my cooperating teacher as I began student teaching. Thankfully she did not write me off that moment as a hopeless cause. Instead she encouraged me to watch and listen from the back of the room. I think it took me exactly two hours and I was completely hooked. I was enamored with her ability to motivate the students. Her enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring. Quickly I amended my initial statement and realized that not only was I going to teach, but I was also meant to teach. Eleven years later I still cannot believe that I ever said those words, nor can I imagine myself in any other profession.

This year will be my 11th year as an elementary teacher of grades 2-4 for the Meade School District in Sturgis, South Dakota. I recently obtained my master's degree in curriculum and instruction with a math specialist's endorsement from Black Hills State University. In addition to teaching I also have had the opportunity to provide my colleagues with professional development. For the past three years I have been a teacher leader in a project called South Dakota Counts. This project provides math training to teacher leaders and then the teacher leaders return to their school district and provide the same training to their colleagues. Through this project I have become a dynamic math teacher and taken on leadership within my district.

My accomplishments as a teacher are numerous and diverse. In the classroom I have the knack to motivate, encourage, and inspire. I was the Meade School District Teacher of the Year in 2003. I have been the advisor for organizations that range from student council to a Girl's Confidence Course. I have taken leadership roles that include developing a standards-based report card and writing the South Dakota State Math Standards.

During my time working as a 2009-2010 fellow I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people within the Department of Education and within the state of South Dakota. I had the opportunity to attend an Indian Dropout Summit with other department members. Through this profound experience I found my passion within teacher preparation in difficult to staff areas, including reservations. Through listening to other teachers in my state and around the country I have learned about the needs and successes within my profession. I also had the unique opportunity to be a panel monitor for both the Teaching American History Grant, and the i3 grant.

I believe that with an effective teacher every child will learn. Part of being an effective teacher is focusing on what students can do rather than what they cannot. I ensure that I am an effective teacher by spending a good amount of my time outside of school discovering the best research-based methods through reading books or attending classes. Every student deserves to have the best teacher in front of them.