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Editorials - 03/15/01Regional judges made excellent choice |
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When we reached Superintendent Mack Mc-Cary Tuesday night at Cullowhee Valley School for comments about Marsha Cameron, who last week was named Teacher of the Year for the state's 17-county Western Region, he said, "She's right here."
More than three hours after her third-graders had gone home for the day, Cameron was back at school, lending support to Cullowhee Valley's Partners in Education, an evening tutoring program for parents and kids. "As we speak, she's at a table working with a parent and child. Thirty years in the classroom, and she's still the last one out of the building," the superintendent said. "She represents the best of us." We share his admiration. By all accounts, Cameron is one of the great ones - a teacher who makes learning fun and school a wonderful place to be. "She's a perfect example of a teacher who does creative things while teaching the standard course of study," said Ellen Hunter, Cullowhee Valley's assistant principal. "She is a testament that you can teach creatively and still have good test scores. Our third-grade test scores are fantastic!" Cameron, a 32-year veteran, centers her teaching philosophy around her belief that children are worthy people who deserve to be treated with respect. "Children need to know that teachers take them seriously, respect them and care deeply about them as individuals," she said. "I have developed this type of nurturing environment in my classroom." While remaining focused on her students, Cameron has found time to champion her school's first-year teachers. It was Cameron who suggested eliminating the extras - like lunchroom, hall and bus duties - that can overwhelm a novice. Her recommendation is now Cullowhee Valley policy, Hunter said. Though we have disagreed philosophically with Cameron with regard to paying supplements to all teachers rather than employing a merit-based system of bonuses, we admire her commitment and persistence to her cause. And we are delighted that she has been chosen to represent our entire region in Raleigh. Her first words, when she learned of her selection, were to her classroom family: "Kids, we won." Her teaching is obviously the center of her life. When our children's teachers are that dedicated, we all win. Congratulations, both to Mrs. Cameron and to the students lucky enough to be in her class.
Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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