Rebecca Keeling, Blessed Maria Middle School

Position: 6th grade science and math teacher

Years Teaching: 41 years

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, knitting, spending time with my granddaughters and other family members, and taking my oldest granddaughter shopping.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Seeing the joy in students eyes when they understand a concept. Student's smiling faces as they enter the classroom. Collaborating with the other teachers and staff at Cedar Valley Catholic Schools.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? The most challenging area in teaching for me is finding the time to prepare a rigorous curriculum based on Iowa Standards for every student. I do not want to see students fall through the cracks. They are the future.

Best tip for new teachers: Practice patience, love, faith in yourself and acceptance towards all. Don't give up!!!

Best tip for career teachers: Keep persevering and think out of the box, you make a difference in all the lives of your students.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Remember there are no wrong questions, keep asking!!!

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: I am having a hard time expressing how I feel. This is an amazing award for doing something that I feel very passionate about. I feel very proud to represent Cedar Valley Catholic Schools. This is my second home where I can share my knowledge, faith, discipline and stewardship with students, parents, staff and community. I humbly thank everyone, especially my students for this award.

Watch Becky's video here!