Grade/subject, school: Third grade, Geist Elementary.

Number of years teaching: 12.

Work e-mail: mcameron@hse.k12.in.us

Background/schooling: Bachelor’s degree, Eastern Illinois University.

Why did you become a teacher: I became a teacher because I’ve found you’re never too old to stop learning. One of the greatest gifts we can give to each other is the love of learning. Once you can instill that in children, it spreads like the ripple effect. In teaching others, we teach ourselves. I’ve also found that I learn a lot each year from my students, which proves you’re also never too young to be a teacher to others.

What goals do you have for your students: My goal for my students is to become the best person they can be socially, academically and physically. Character education is one of the most important topics I teach.

What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills: I encourage the parents of my students to read with their child and to always go over all of the work that comes home. Discuss with their child goals to have for each school year and focus on the “I can.” I have students write “I believe I can do it” on the back of their tests.

Name your favorite movie: My favorite movies to watch are my home movies of my three children: Malerie, A.J. and Caroline.

Name your favorite musician or band: My favorite song and my life theme song is Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young.”

What’s something your students might not know about you: I published my first children’s book last year.