Rafacz: My parents influenced me most in becoming an educator. I loved to go to work with them (school) and pretend I was the teacher when I was young. My dad was my elementary principal, and he was always so congenial with everyone. Anyone who was in the same room with him instantly became excited due to the positive energy he regularly exuded. My mom was a 7th grade English teacher who has always loved reading and writing. She inspired me to become a librarian, and we continue to talk about our current reading selection with one another any time we get the chance. Both of my parents have a lifelong love of learning and helping others. Their positive demeanors and aptitude for finding creative solutions when faced with adversity has been admirable over the years. Witnessing their passion for teaching and influencing others has inspired me to do the same, and I could not be happier with the example they set and my current role as an educator with the opportunity to inspire my students daily.
Rafacz: There are so many things that I enjoy about my job. I enjoy the creative freedom I have enabling me to pull from different class and library standards. I am privileged to work with 6 different grade levels and watch students grow from kindergarteners to fifth graders. I also love the plethora of resources I have at my fingertips to help instill a love of reading and learning in my students. Additionally, I enjoy collaborating with community members to create hands-on, interactive, and authentic lessons for my students. Lastly, I love the positive, student focused climate that Barfield embodies. I am privileged to have a library assistant that is extremely creative and enjoys collaborating with me to create an exciting hands-on environment for our students.
Rafacz: I hope the stories I have read will stay with them, and that through them they are inspired to be more empathic and to continue reading and learning.
Rafacz: I would encourage them to build relationships first and foremost. Building and fostering positive relationships with students, colleagues, and administration is the best first step they can take in becoming a remarkable educator. Beyond that, building a positive classroom climate, setting clear expectations, and defining goals for instruction is key. Lastly, I would encourage them to keep learning, growing, and refining their craft through collaboration, professional development, and research.