During our lifetime, we meet one or more individuals that are born to be a teacher. To me, that person is Ms. Susan Herrera, whom is a first-grade teacher at Slade Elementary School. I first met Mrs. Herrera, three years ago and I was immediately impressed with her for many reasons. She is an intelligent and caring educator that goes out of her way to help her students grow and be the best students they are able to be. It was an easy choice that I wanted to interview Mrs. Herrera and learn more from her to educate me on my educational journey.

Mrs. Herrera grew up in Gillette, Wyoming, and her mother is also a teacher. At a very young age, she knew she wanted to grow up, follow her dreams, and become a teacher. She described to me with a smile on her face how as a young child, she would place her dolls and stuffed animals in her room. They were her students and she would practice being a teacher and playing school. As an adult, she attended the University of Wyoming and earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Her learning did not stop there. She continues to attend conferences as often as she can, but honestly, she is the best teacher and she could be teaching others attending the conferences.

She has been a teacher for twenty-one years and started her career as a Title One teacher. She was a Title One teacher for nine years teaching Reading Recovery. Her skills have enabled countless students the joy of learning to read. Now, she teaches her first graders to read and has been a first-grade teacher twelve years. Additionally, she uses technology each day in her classroom. Every day, she uses a smart board in her class with document cameras. This is a very neat concept that allows her to broadcast her lesson or worksheet on the smart board for everyone in her class to see at once. On other days, she can check iPads out for her class from the school library. The students can play Math games on the iPads and the school also recently purchased thirty new touchscreen computers. She strives each day to assist her students in learning.

As you can see, there is no doubt Mrs. Herrera, is a brilliant and amazing teacher. The school district and her students are very blessed to have her. I just hope one day I can set the same example she sets for me and that is being the best teacher you can be for your students.