Inspirations and Quotes
This page is a collection of the voices, values, and people who have shaped me as a teacher. From real-life mentors to fictional role models, each of these quotes and individuals reminds me why I teach—and who I hope to be for my students.
Mentors Who Shaped Me
Todd Dixon- Mr. Dixon believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. His compassion and high standards shaped my work ethic and my heart. I try every day to be the kind of teacher he was to me.
Jack Forbis- Jack mentored me through student teaching, and now we teach side-by-side. He showed me how to lead with patience, consistency, and just the right amount of dry sarcasm.
Jim McDaniel- Mr. McDaniel invited me to play in the Carollton Wind Symphony and brought back my love of performing. He was kind and patient, and I hope that I can be the kind of teacher he was.
Abby Crawford- Abby is one of my best friends and showed me that women can rule the world! She taught me to be powerful and to believe in myself.
Cindy Bulloch- Mrs. Cindy taught me that women are fierce! She is fiery and passionate, and teaches like her hair is on fire! She taught me to stand up for myself (professionally, of course) and to believe that I can do anything I work for!
Quotes That Ground Me
Classroom Mantras:
"The only way to do hard things is to do hard things."
"It's always okay to do the right thing." -Martin Luther King Jr.
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Pop Culture Wisdom:
"There is no shame in what you are feeling... on the contrary. The fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength." -Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
"Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy." -Dumbledore
"Work hard at work worth doing." -Leslie Knope
"You sort of start thinking anything is possible if you've got enough nerve."- Ginny Weasley
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Educational Quotes That Motivate Me
"Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving your community and world better than you found it."- Marian Wright Edelman
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"Our job is to teach the students we have. Not the ones we would like to have. Not the ones we used to have. Those we have right now. All of them.' -Dr. Kevin Maxwell
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"Every child deserves a champion: An adult that will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be." -Rita Pierson
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Media That Inspires Me
Books:
The Storyteller- Jodi Picoult
Harry Potter Series- J.K. Rowling
Composers:
Eric Whitacre
Gustav Holst
TV Series:
Parks and Rec
Brooklyn 99
Abbott Elementary
Speakers:
Michelle Obama
Jon Stewart
Malala Yousafzai
