From teachers to teachers II -- Excerpts
 I enjoy coming to work every day because I have the opportunity to work with a
highly motivated, supportive staff and administration. We are all focused on a
common goal to increase student academic achievement and do what is best for kids.
Students encounter this shared vision in every classroom they visit and it has allowed
them to thrive. I respect and admire every member of the Carmel team for their
incredible work and their dedication to effecting positive change for the students in
this district. (Ryan Fuss, Carmel)
 The Core Belief that constantly embeds itself in my teaching is that there is no excuse
for poor quality instruction. I would not accept anything less than the best education
for my own children; therefore, I am not willing to bestow anything less to those
children that other parents have entrusted to my care and instruction. Make no
mistake-it is difficult to incorporate this belief day after day in my teaching when it
feels as if life is constantly getting in the way. However, I am rewarded when I see
learning taking place as a result of applying that core belief in every lesson, every
day. (Lori McCoy, Pikes Peak)
 As a new teacher, it seems like I can never run out of things to learn. I feel lucky
though, because at Centennial, I'm yet to run out of people who are willing to help
me. With their commitment to students, the staff here has shown me that the pursuit
of excellence doesn’t need to be something I work towards on my own; it is
something we as a building can do, together. (Nigel Mustapha, Centennial)
 Sand Creek is amazing! I work with a wonderful team that is helpful and caring. My
principals are incredibly supportive, and give constructive feedback while also letting
me know that I'm doing good things for kids. I taught for 6 years before coming to
Harrison. I have never worked so hard or seen so much growth from students! It is
truly amazing what kids can learn! (Nikki Paradise- Williams, Sand Creek)
 When I first started working for Harrison, I was worried that an E&R system would
make the teachers competitive. I was completely wrong! I am very thankful for the
support given by my coworkers within Harrison School District. Every person I have
met has been incredibly willing to answer questions and offer advice. I have never
been a part of a more collaborative team. Our cooperation and sharing of knowledge
definitely helps our students succeed. When we work as a team, we accomplish so
much more! (Katrina Kelly, Bricker)
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 It is an honor to stand before my students each day with open arms and high
expectations. Time and time again, my Kinder ELD students show me that they can
learn, grow, and achieve at an amazing level. Although the statement "there is no
excuse for poor quality instruction" can sound intimidating, the vibrant faces that
show up at my door each morning motivate me to prepare for and provide effective
instruction. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by a group of wonderful teachers and
staff at Monterey who support me in offering high quality instruction to my students.
(Brooke Zeller, Monterey)
 In a school with numerous first year teachers, we have been privileged enough to be
met with open arms by so many incredibly gifted veteran teacher who continually
offer their insight and guidance in our personal development. I feel very supported in
my growth and am incredibly grateful for our administration team making every
resource we need available. Our kids are getting the tools they need to be successful
academically and socially. I am lucky to work in a school, and district, where the
belief is that every child is capable of success. I have already seen tremendous
growth in my students and am excited to see their continued development this year. I
consider myself fortunate to be a teacher in Harrison School District 2. (Taylor Doe,
Carmel)

We can debate the pros and cons of the district core beliefs, the hard work we do, the
sacrifices we make and more, but when I look into the faces of my students, there is
no debate. I will provide nothing less than the best academic instruction I can to these
students. They deserve the best – the best of everything I have borrowed and learned
from district colleagues and instructional leaders. I have nothing to hide; I have
everything to learn and share -- all with the purpose of giving our students every
possible opportunity. (Shari Griffin, Pikes Peak)
 Reflecting on my time so far in Harrison School District Two, I realize just how
fortunate I am to be working in a district filled with such devoted, caring and
passionate people. The teachers that surround me inspire me each day with how hard
they work and remind me that we are committed to the right vision. The professional
development and opportunities for feedback push me to improve every single day,
focusing on making a difference for our students. As this first semester comes to a
close, I know we are on the right track for our students’ success. (Grace Wedgwood,
Harrison HS)
 Every staff member at Centennial clearly works extremely hard in order to ensure that
all students are receiving the best possible education. Our administrators provide
helpful feedback and they are extremely approachable and supportive. Everyone
works together and is constantly trying to better themselves. I believe that our kiddos
feel safe and also challenged here at Centennial. (Kaitlin Chicola, Centennial)
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 I support Sand Creek by putting the education of children first. I am committed to
the success of the staff and the students. Harrison’s Core Beliefs help bring all of us
together to improve academic achievement and a positive environment for education.
Although working in this district can be challenging at times, the core beliefs remind
us that we are ALL here for one main purpose, the children. I am proud to be part of
a district that is making a difference every day! (Megan McGuire, Sand Creek)
 Working in our district comes with many challenges and is an incredibly demanding
task, especially for a new teacher. However, maintaining a positive attitude and
focusing on the things that you can control, such as the learning that happens in your
classroom, will allow you to rise above the setbacks and make transformational
changes for our students. (Eric Weissman, Oak Creek)
 My experience at Centennial has been great so far. My building leaders set clear
expectations for me and are constantly giving instructional feedback in crucial areas
to help me improve as a teacher. I also really appreciate their open door policy and
their willingness to answer questions at all different times of the day. Overall, the
District’s goal of providing high quality instruction is very clearly kept in mind with
every action taken within our building. (Elliot Nasser, Centennial)
 As a first-year teacher in the Harrison 2 District I support our schools’ core beliefs
through my commitment to provide an excellent education for all of our students.
Teaching for the first time is a challenging yet extremely rewarding job as I see the
abounding academic growth of our students happening alongside my growth as a
teacher. The commitment to high quality instruction in our district is one I see in each
classroom and one that I embrace each day as I work to provide an excellent
education for all of our students. (Kelsey Hyde, Oak Creek)
 I’m proud to work at Harrison High School because we embody commitment to both
teacher and student growth. Just as the administration and faculty champion each
other’s success, so do we champion the success of our students. Since working at
Harrison the past 4 months, I’ve grown more in my craft than from my previous 4
years of teaching. I believe it is the solid community enacting a solid vision that has
made this possible. (Tyler Lawrence, Harrison HS)
 The fact that we put the needs of our students first speaks for itself. We should be
working as hard as we can to positively impact morale, therefore willingness to learn.
The smiles I see on everyone’s face each day reinforce my passion to teach and I
KNOW I am where I am supposed to be. (Arlisha Lawson, Wildflower Elementary)
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 Because we are deeply committed to the academic achievement of our children,
Wildflower Elementary teachers, principals, and families are constantly reflecting and
asking ourselves, “Is what we are doing best for kids?” I have seen students rise to
the high expectations set by their teachers, and I feel lucky to be in an environment
where there is no excuse for a student not to succeed- even if it means teachers,
principals, and families working long, hard hours. I have been supported and
challenged by HSD2 in my first two years of teaching, and I can see the positive
effects that it has had on my instruction and therefore my kindergarteners’ academic
growth! (Catie Johnson, Wildflower)
 As a teacher at Mountain Vista, I am always aware of the difference I make in each
student’s life. I know that every day I need to arrive at school prepared, and ready to
show the students my joy for learning and teaching. I work to present the highest
level of instruction each day. I am excited to work in a school where I know that my
work and effort will make a difference for all students. (Sarah Cyr, Mountain Vista)
 To me, Harrison is all about feedback and reflection. In every subject and in every
circumstance, we put aside ego and pride and ask ourselves one question: “How can
this be better?” (Siobhan Downey, Pikes Peak)
 It is wonderful to work with teachers who genuinely care about students and helping
them reach their goals. My colleagues at Sierra go above and beyond their job
expectations. They come in early and leave late to ensure that ALL students are being
afforded the opportunity to thrive and exit high school prepared for the real world.
(Emily Carter, Sierra)
 Being a teacher in Harrison is one of the toughest jobs imaginable. The requirements
of this job test my limits daily but the end result is worth all of the demands
associated with it and the efforts I put in to achieve them. I have the opportunity to
impact the lives of at-risk students each day. I see the growth in their educational
process and I am actively encouraging them to become successful members in
society. (Courtney Day, Otero)
 The core beliefs in Harrison allow me to focus my instruction on my students and
their academic achievement. The belief that resonates with me the greatest is "There
is no excuse for poor quality instruction." Just as I teach my students that there is no
excuse for missing homework or incomplete tests, the Harrison core beliefs help me
hold myself accountable. These beliefs are what keep me working relentlessly; if my
students are not allowed to give me excuses, I must hold myself to the same standard.
There is no excuse for poor quality instruction, and my students WILL achieve at the
same rate as non at-risk students. (Susanna, Mountain Vista)
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 My college professors were definitely right when they said, “Your first year teaching
will be the hardest.” Despite the challenges, teaching in Harrison 2, and especially at
Turman, has offered me rewards greater than I ever expected. There are extremely
high expectations for teachers here, but terrific support from administrators and
colleagues paired with a district wide mindset focused on the commitment to
excellence, has enabled each of us to succeed in enriching our students’ lives in ways
unimaginable. The District Core Beliefs allow each one of us to set common goals.
These goals are demanding, but without that focus on quality, our students would find
themselves at a disadvantage. Fortunately, the staff at Turman has dedicated
themselves to excellence for every unique and extraordinary student, every day. I feel
incredibly blessed to begin my teaching journey within a district marked by the
perseverance and passion necessary to participate fully in the most important work of
our time. (Katrina Meister, Turman Elementary)
 I am continually amazed at the commitment to students the teachers in my building
demonstrate. The focus on student achievement is one part that has impressed me; the
other is the genuine concern each of these teachers has for their students as
individuals. It has reassured me that teaching is the profession I want to pursue and
reminds me daily why we are all here: to facilitate student learning and achievement
in a safe, caring environment. I feel so lucky to be a part of the staff here at Stratmoor
Hills! (Emily Winthrop, Stratmoor Hills)
 Although there is a lot of hard work to accomplish, I enjoy working at Bricker
Elementary School. I cannot think of a single staff member here who is not
committed to children and the pursuit of excellence. I feel supported within my
school because anytime I need help, someone is right there to help or offer
suggestions. I believe we are headed in the right direction! (Danielle Mickells,
Bricker)
 As a new teacher, working for Soaring Eagles and Harrison School District Two has
provided me with the opportunity to get a strong foundation in aligning curriculum to
meet the needs of the students in my classes. I have had the training to understand
how to use data to inform my instruction and provide my students what they need to
grow academically as individuals. Working at Soaring Eagles, I was provided with a
strong mentor and numerous spot observations that provided me with the chance to
grow and learn to be a better teacher, during my first year and I feel much more
confident in my second year as a result. I will always appreciate starting my teaching
career at Soaring Eagles! (Sheri Patterson, Soaring Eagles)
 Teaching in Harrison provides the opportunity to reach students in a way others have
not been able to. The support of the administration and other teachers makes it a
community based on collaboration and progress. With the devotion of the staff, we
are truly helping every child succeed! (Brandi Stott, Giberson)
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 I am very excited to be a part of Harrison School District 2. I was impressed with the
presentation of expectations of being an employee in this district. Furthermore, I
appreciate the support that is offered to employees being the best they can be to
improve the quality of teaching and the student experience in school. Starting a new
job, in a new district, at a school new to me, and with new administration could have
been fearful. I have been welcomed by colleagues and have done my best to be a
smiling face to them as well. The administration has communicated and proven that
they support me and what is best for the Affective Needs program at Bricker. (Nancy
Noleen, Bricker Affective Needs program)
 Working at Soaring Eagles is such an amazing experience! The teachers,
paraprofessionals, and support staff are fabulous at collaborating for the success of the
students and the school. To come to work each day and know that we are all on the
same page is incredible! I love my job, knowing that we are all making a difference
in our student’s lives! (Gina Oellig, Soaring Eagles)
 At Sierra High School, I feel that I am a part of a very committed team of staff and
teachers. I feel lucky to be on a team that is supported and supportive. Teachers,
administration, staff, and coaches go above and beyond to ensure that our students
have the opportunities and education they deserve. I am proud to be a part of the
Stallion family! (Tim Solon, Sierra)
 As a school, we are working diligently and relentlessly to ensure that we provide
nothing but the best for our children, no matter what the cost may be. Is this always
easy? Of course not. But, oh, it is worth it! I believe fully in the direction Harrison
School District is headed; a direction where every child, no matter what the
circumstance, is pushed to academic heights they never knew they could rise to. A
direction where students are sure to hear from every teacher that stands in front of
them that they “can” and they “will”. A direction in which teachers are held to high
standards, and strive to reach them in all they do. A direction where administrators
encourage, support, and genuinely believe in the educators in their building and prove
it every day. (Erin Carroll, Otero)
 Working at Harrison High School pushes me every day to become a stronger teacher
for my students and for myself. I feel supported by my departments and colleagues,
and I have formed close bonds with the people with whom I work. Everyone at
Harrison strives to engender success for both students and staff. (Mary Duffy,
Harrison HS)
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 Fox Meadow Middle School is continuously proving itself to be a strong and positive
influence on the lives of its students. It is clear from the achievement in the
classrooms, the camaraderie between students, and the overwhelming confidence that
the staff has in the students that we are pushing students not only in the academic
arena but also with respect to becoming participating citizens in our community. On
the whole, our students enjoy coming to school because Fox Meadow has instilled
within them a drive to better themselves for their futures. Guided by the Core Beliefs
of our district, we will settle for nothing less than the best for our students and will do
everything in our power to ensure that our students have opportunities available to
them to fulfill their dreams and reach their fullest potentials. I am very proud to be a
part of the work that Fox Meadow is doing in our community. (Emily Allen, Fox
Meadow)
 Here at Harrison, students are given opportunities to take ownership of their learning.
Students are given chances to set goals whether it is reading fluency, multiplication,
or social skills. Faculty and staff work hard to help students achieve these goals.
(Kristi Erickson, Bricker)
 Our district sets the bar high for its teachers and students- parallel to some of the
highest-achieving schools and districts in the country. It is both a challenge and a
blessing that there are “no excuses” in Harrison 2. This shared mindset empowers
teachers and students. These high expectations are crucial, especially for our at-risk
students and I love that it is my job to help our students grow to believe that they are
capable of the highest level of achievement. The journey may be full of ups and
downs but it is the “no excuses” mentality that will drive our students to success in
school and beyond. (Brittney Scott, Panorama)
 Harrison District is such an amazing district to work for. I love how from the time
students enter our schools, we strive to make them college ready. The high standards
teachers and students are held to gives direct guidelines for how to ensure the students
success. Coming into this district that instills such high standards has been a journey
in itself, but the Soaring Eagles administration and staff have made my transition truly
amazing. I could not ask for more of a determined group to work with! (Leann Soares,
Soaring Eagles)
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