Arizona Republic

Roger Healy

Mesa Arts Academy/Seventh and Eighth Grade Math, Science, Social Studies

How long teaching: 16 years.

Degrees: B.A. elementary education.

Residence: Gilbert.

Age: 55

When you're feeling challenged, what drives you to continue?

My students' success is what drives me when I feel challenged. The student who didn't understand a concept and then learned it through my teaching is exhilarating. When I actually reach that student that others have written off as being unteachable, then all the challenges of teaching become opportunities.

How do you inspire your students, and who inspired you?

Inspiration begins with building respect and trust. My students tend to listen to people they honor and admire. I recognize their dreams and aspirations, and I share my dreams and aspirations with them. This common ground creates a foundation of optimism and hope that we grab hold of to persevere through the hard issues both at school and home. My mom inspires me to this day. It has never been easy for her, no money and an abusive husband, but somehow she always was there for me. Got to love moms. Text goes here

Who is a teacher in your past that changed your life?

My 12th-grade English teacher. She was originally a short term replacement, but they luckily kept her all year. I was a shy, quiet kid who loved books, and she made me feel smart and cool, was interested in what I thought, what my aspirations were, who I was. I went off to college a million times more confident in my abilities because of her. A bigger than life, loving, incredibly memorable personality. She was a beacon for many a lost soul.

How do you most want to influence your students' futures?

Everyone wants to make the student the best they can be, but for some, sadly, that isn't going to translate into being a Rhodes Scholar. As a result, I came more to the attitude of opening the students' eyes to what else is out there beyond their own world. I want to influence my students to reach out and want to learn more. I want to inspire them to want to be better.

In the classroom, what adjustments have you had to make due to these challenging financial times? I found that I have to do more with less. I lost my aide due to budget cuts and field trips are no longer being paid by the school. My parents have stepped up to fill in the gaps. They can't do it with money, but they volunteer their time to make copies or phone calls. The students fundraise for field trips. I now make time to apply for every grant that is out there. However, most of what I do has not changed. The students still show up everyday and I still do my best teach them. Teaching about the Great Depression has never been easier.

How do your students know you have high expectations for them?

I clearly identify the expectations in my classroom including those of myself, my students, my parents, and my administration. We make a point to verbalize our expectations, and allow opportunities for others to do the same. I dedicate one or two class periods to discuss expectations. Each student is aware of what is expected of him or her before the end of the first week. We set expectations high, then we exceed them. I continue to challenge and motivate our students with high expectations throughout the year. Can't be afraid to raise the bar.

What one tip would you give to new teachers?

Humor, used properly, can be a powerful addition to any lesson or day. It can diffuse tense situations. It can make you appear more human to your students. Even if your jokes fall flat, students will still appreciate your attempt.

Why do you choose to teach in a high-need school?

Working in a high-need area is definitely difficult, but it is also rewarding. Most of the students come to school because it is the one place that they feel safe. The students don't take anything for granted and truly appreciate the time you take to help make their day a little better. You will have success stories, and you will have your kids that struggle to make it in society. To work in a high-need school, you need to have patience, flexibility, a big heart, and a big bottle of Tylenol.

How do you use student achievement data to make teaching decisions?

I use classroom data to identify strengths and weaknesses in student learning, in monitoring student progress toward specified goals, in making adjustments in my instruction, and to measure the degree to which students are meeting the standards. High levels of student achievement are the result of systematic, targeted and purposeful instruction. Effective instruction depends on the skillful use of classroom assessment data.

What special item did you bring with you to the photo shoot and why?

I brought a garden tool and gloves. I work hard to plant the seeds of knowledge. Sometimes I don't get to see the fruit of my labor but I know the seeds are there.

-Kerry Fehr-Snyder