The sounds of the classroom draw attention. Not a clamor, but a busyness passing through the closed entryway. Something is uncommon, in a building with typically quiet halls and familiar classrooms where teachers and children seem silent behind heavy, locked doors. As the teacher moves animatedly around the center of room 118, he seems to connect to every child, discerning who understands and who does not. His students, sitting, kneeling, and standing next to their desks, are listening intently and writing, clearly focused on this man and what he is saying. He pauses, obviously answering questions not given any formal request or permission. In conversation with his pupils, he is discussing, explaining, and clarifying until it finally clicks. There are many capable, dedicated teachers who love what they do - working hard every day to help students learn. But some are exceptional, like Mr. Slay. He is an enthusiastic and motivated educator, engaging children and encouraging them to think, learn, and achieve. Mr. Slay is also warm, accessible, and caring. Greeting children and parents alike with a generous smile, he even recalls names of children not in his class. With high expectations for the children he serves, he has helped his pupils develop positive attitudes about their relationship to their teacher and school which is key to successful learning. Consequently, they have all demonstrated growth in reading comprehension and understanding mathematical concepts per the NWEA, SRI, and district-designed assessments. Moreover, Mr. Slay has encouraged them to believe that they are leaders, not only in their schools, but also their communities. "Helping them to see the greatness they have within them has been my greatest accomplishment. Teaching at Carpenter has truly been a joy, and, in all honesty, this has been the most rewarding and fun job that I have ever had." Carpenter is often a complex environment of different backgrounds and cultures, and many children here are confronted with systemic issues that not only disrupt their education but often their lives. Mr. Slay has a unique perspective, formed by his experience as a Human Services Professional and advocate for the care and success of children and families, and he firmly believes that despite these difficulties, all Carpenter children can experience significant academic achievement. To this end, he often stays late after school and makes himself available to students and parents who need him. In this first year, Mr. Slay co-chaired the Student Council at Carpenter. In addition, he implemented the Community Builders Program where students recognize their peers for positive behavior and acts of kindness and concern, fostering a peaceful and productive learning environment. While Mr. Slay is a new teacher, he has gained a reputation as confident and knowledgeable with the skills of a seasoned educator. He is also professional and cooperative, earning the respect of not only his students, but also their parents, his peers, and the school community. It is clear that he wants to be at Carpenter Elementary, and, with his commitment and determination, he will certainly grow and become an even more effective teacher with continued service and support. In the effort to help our students be competitively educated, it can be difficult to seemingly impossible to make the right decisions for the best outcome at the right time. Still, we must resolve to do what we can. What is definite, though, is that the choices we make for our children today will most assuredly affect the quality of their lives for years to come. The students at Carpenter Elementary School need Mr. Slay, an educator who has accepted the responsibility for challenging them to learn and prepare for lives that can imagine possibilities and realize opportunities.

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