Carol A. Boyer
Elma Elementary School
Elma, WA

"I believe teachers must not only use their own interests in teaching, they must exploit them. I am a unique individual and my classroom is unique because it reflects my interests and beliefs. Differences in teachers allow us to infuse enthusiasm into our teaching and foster it in our students. What we do as a class defines us as a community. Connecting student learning to what interests them reaps huge rewards for the child, community and environment."

"Innovative, energetic, creative and inspiring are a few words to describe Carol's teaching. Carol believes in integration and hands-on activities. Carol is always finding new ways to enhance learning in all subjects. She is a talented musician and speaks fluent Spanish and incorporates these into the students' learning. She encourages us to expand our horizons."

One of Carol's first classrooms was a 35-foot motor home parked on a hop ranch in the Yakima Valley of Washington State. She was fortunate to be involved in a project called La escuelita en ruedas, The Little School on Wheels, emphasizing education for children of migrant farm workers. Their escuelita followed the harvest around the state just as the students and their families did. Not only did they teach in their motor home, they slept in it! Beds folded into student tables and there was a small kitchen in the rear. Living in a migrant labor camp, Carol learned about loving families committed to bettering their children's lives through hard work and education. She was honored to be invited into their homes, share meals with them, and be addressed as maestra, teacher.

Other Highlights:

• Toyota Tapestry Award in Science and Literacy, 2003
• Constitutional Rights Foundation, Robinson Service learning Grant, 2003
• Intel "Teach to the Future" master Teacher, 2001
• Magic Apple Grant, Washington State Department of Ecology, 2001
• Bill and Melinda gates Teacher Leadership project, 2000
• Conference presenter, NSTA, 2004, 2002; ASCD, 1995; Western States Migrant Education conference, 1981; National migrant Education Conference, 1997
• Other positions included - Special Education and Title I teacher, 3 years; Special Education resource teacher, 6 years; Migrant Resource Teacher, 3 years; Mini-Corps College Coordinator, 2 years; Title IV-A Indian education Teacher, 1 year; and Music Teacher, 2 years
• Member of National Science Teachers' Association and Washington Science Teachers' Association
• Choir Director at Montesano United Methodist Church
• Plays piano and cello
• Involved in Hispanic Ministry including building homes in Mexico
• Hobbies include sewing, quilting, and bird watching