Ra'Shuna Greer, Orange Elementary

Position: Kindergarten Teacher

Years Teaching: 1 year

Hobbies/Interests: Reading autobiographies, non-fiction, traveling, singing, thrift shopping

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Seeing my students grow! Many came in not knowing how to spell their names, or what the letter H was. But to see them reading books, or just recognizing the letters in their name, makes me love teaching. Because I know once they learn something nothing in the world can take away! Nothing has killed their curiosity or fear of asking questions. I love teaching Kindergarten because they make me fearless too!

Best tip for new teachers: Lean on your team! Find a support system and don't be afraid to say i have no idea! Take in the advice don't feel like you have to do it alone.

Best tip for career teachers: Teach with Passion! Teach with Love! Teach with Compassion! If it doesn't burn inside you then stop rest, reset and GO!

Favorite piece of advice for students: Always love yourself

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: Going to college at night while working, being a mother of three, and supporting my husband as he is going to college and working. Surviving way too many math classes. Losing my grandparent and being shunned by the members of my religion, I left because I chose to pursue higher education. Going at it some days alone. Scared that I was not smart enough. Being a black woman in a field where few of us work. Crying every day for the first week of school. To falling in love with my beautiful 23 babies. Getting the Gold Star means I can do anything.