Growing up as a boy who was, and still is, very fond of basketball, there were many "heroes" that I wanted to be like. From Dr. J, to Dominique Wilkins, and of course my all-time favorite player, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, countless hours were spent outside on my dirt basketball court mimicking these players moves. Now as a mature man, though my jump shot has faded (only slightly), I still have "heroes in my heart" which give me a positive pattern to emulate. It has been well said that "imitation is the highest form of flattery", and I certainly believe that it's ok to be a copycat as long as you copy the right cat! The next hero in my heart, Dr. Marcia Rock, is such a model of teaching excellence.
I met Dr. Rock at the University of Alabama and was amazed by her incredible passion. She enthusiastically works to educate, and empower
students to be people that not only make a living but also make a difference.
In addition 3 C's, commitment,
competence, and caring makes her the consummate teacher and my hero.
Dr. Rock is unparalleled in the level of
commitment that she demonstrates. First
of all she is committed to a higher call.
Whereas many teachers view what they do as a career, she understands
that it is a calling. This creates an
incredible passion for students that are oftentimes “overlooked” by
others. She unwaveringly works to leave
no child behind. Her passion is also
demonstrated in her commitment to advocacy for students, especially those that
do not always have their voices heard.
As an effective advocate, she has caused others including myself to join
her in this endeavor. She is
also committed to being an agent of change.
Unlike many educators that communicate the need for change with
their lips, she does so with her life. A
vivid example of this is the University of Alabama Project TEEACH program,
which she directed. This program aimed to transform
elementary educators into superior special educators. As a member of the initial cohort, I experienced personal change as a result of being in the midst of Dr, Rock. One of the vital lessons that I glean from
her life is that superior teachers are servant-leaders.
In addition to commitment, Dr. Rock demonstrates
a high level of competence. This
thorough understanding of her field allows gives her the ability to communicate
in a highly effective manner. Her
ability to simplify complicated ideas for a wide range of students, and
professionals is very impressive. Most
importantly, this competence translates into the use of research-based
strategies, and methods as well as best practice. The use of these practices gives students the
best chance to succeed. She stresses the
importance of going the extra mile and doing the research instead of just
“getting by” as a teacher. Although she
is competent and very capable, she is one of the most humble individuals in
this world. She uses her competence not
to get “glory” but to make life better for parents, students and teachers.
Lastly, Dr. Rock inspires others to care for the
students that we teach. Unfortunately
many educators care about everything except the main thing, students. In a world where test scores are significant,
Dr. Rock values students first. She
models this by leaving undeniable fingerprints of care and concern in the lives
of her students. My life has been
significantly impacted because Dr. Rock cared enough to give me a chance. Everyday countless numbers of individuals
hope for and wish for a chance to rise up or reach their dreams. I can easily identify with this group because
prior to meeting Dr. Rock, labels were placed on me. However, Dr. Rock saw my potential and had
the courage to unearth the treasure within.
Without her sense of caring, and vision I would not be a teacher today. This has inspired me to demonstrate the same
level of care and the ability to see the enormous potential and possibilities
within our students. I am teaching today
to give our students a chance, just like Dr. Marcia Rock gave me a chance!
Thanks Dr. Rock for you are truly an inspiration. You have given me the courage to
be a relentless, resourceful and, reflective educator!
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