Molly Carr.

On the wall outside her classroom is a sign asking, "What will I do today to make this world a better place?" For Molly Carr of Saltsburg Elementary School, this question serves as a springboard for various daily activities and discussions. She is a teacher making an indelible impact on the lives of her students by building relationships and by providing experiences that make learning fun.

Every day in her fifth grade class, Molly makes it a priority to build an even stronger bond with her students. "I try to connect with the kids, to get to know each student as a person, and let them know that I care. When you help them develop a good relationship with you, they want to do well to please you," Molly explains. Her success in this goal is evident by the calm, relaxed atmosphere in her class. She speaks in a natural, easy going tone that engages her students in discussions, and her gentle demeanor provides a risk free environment. Students aren't afraid to give wrong answers or to make mistakes. Molly adds, "I laugh a lot. I smile and joke with the kids. I'm honest with them." In addition, she takes the time to participate with the students at recess, when she's not on duty. "I play football, kickball, or basketball with them, sometimes in a skirt," she says with a smile. At the same time, she emphasizes her commitment to the "No Child Left Behind" policy and her focus on challenging them academically.

A second unique feature of Molly's teaching is a focus on building community or closeness within her class. Research shows that for optimum learning to take place, kids need to have good relationships with each other. The more collaboration the better. To accomplish this goal, Molly leads the class in a daily morning meeting sitting together on the floor. They take time to greet one another in different way each day. The greeting includes shaking hands or elbows, tapping feet together, finger snaps, or a new hand shake while saying, "Good morning, John, etc." The kids are also allowed to share, and then a "community building" activity follows. Molly notices a big difference, and says, "I have the fewest behavioral problems that I've had in three years."

Molly doesn't take credit for the third element that qualifies her as an outstanding teacher, that is, the willingness to take students on trips for hands-on learning. She praises the previous teachers who had the vision and pioneered the program. Because of their efforts to fully integrate social studies, science, and reading, Molly and the other fifth grade teachers take the kids on field study trips. "We went to a French and Indian War battlefield. On the trips, each child takes notes, fills out reports, and completes maps." The group also stayed two nights in a lodge for a study at the McKeever Environment Center, and went to Gettysburg, Fort Necessity, and Fort Ligonier. Next, they are scheduled to go to a space center in Wheeling, West Virginia! Though it requires extra time and work for the teachers, Molly expresses that these are wonderful, memorable experiences and the students learn "that history is right in their backyards."

It was her desire to make a positive impact on others that prompted Molly to become a teacher. She lauds her mom who was "a teacher at heart" while staying at home with her and her five brothers. After obtaining her degree in Elementary Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Molly received her Master degree in Athletic Administration there as well.

Along with teaching, Molly keeps busy with several other interests. Her biggest time commitment is coaching the varsity basketball team at Homer Center High School. Regarding the extra time commitment she says, "I love challenges." If she does grab a spare minute she enjoys art, reading, basketball, football, and fast pitch softball. On weekends she faithfully attends St. Thomas Moore University Parish in her hometown of Indiana. "It's a wonderful church. It's unbelievable…the things I get out of going there," she shares.

The students in Molly's class display a happy, attentive attitude. Observing for just a short while, one finds a group of learners who enjoy working together. Hats off to a teacher who is taking the time to stir up enthusiasm and collaboration.