“Teaching is more than standing up in front of the class and speaking to students. Teaching is more than giving tests and filling out report cards. Teaching is not something you do, but something much greater than words can really express. Facilitator, leader, provider, supporter, comforter, problem solver, evaluator, and learner are just some of the titles that express who and what I am. It is not my job just to teach, but to empower lifelong learning.”

“My teaching philosophy lies strongly in the belief that I am there to facilitate learning by guiding, instructing, and releasing responsibility for them to make their own choices and be constructors of their own knowledge. I do this by expecting them to be active participants in the leaning process. I show them that learning cannot occur by sitting there, but they must be involved and make their learning happen. Through active engagement, small and whole group activities, integrated technology, and multi-sensory lessons, students have the opportunity to participate and be held accountable for their learning.”

“There is no greater reward than to have a child’s face light up and respond with an enthusiastic, “I CAN DO IT.” No amount of money can buy that pride and joy that comes from watching my students discover the learning that is just around the corner or the new knowledge just waiting to be obtained. Believing in them and pushing them to exceed the labels we set upon them are what motivates me to get up every morning and walk in that classroom with a smile on my face. To see the light inside each one, burn with desire for learning makes every day worth it, no matter what else has gone on.”

“She has left a deep impression upon all those she works with and inspires colleagues to push out of their comfort zones to enhance their student’s lives and education. Her leadership qualities truly exemplify what a leader in education should possess. Her profound insights on effective teaching strategies, her zest and passion for teaching all the students that walk through our campus-not just her students-is what sets her apart from most educators.” Alyssa Sterne, 2nd Grade teacher at Balsz Elementary School.

Ms. Weiss earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from ASU and her Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from NAU. She has taught at Balsz Elementary School since 1999.