As long as I can remember...I have wanted to be a teacher. I never forgot the many who helped forge the way for me to gain access to the world of knowledge; and I have always had a deep-seeded need to give back what was given to me. I can still remember their names: Mrs. Tedder, my English teacher from James Cashman Junior High School in Palm Springs; Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Snyder, and Larry Hennigh-the most inspiring high school teachers any student could ask for -during my days at Edward Clark High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then there was Mrs. Romonof, my fifth grade teacher, whose wedding I attended when I went to school at Clyde Woodworth Elementary in Inglewood, California. I even remember the strict, not so "caring" teachers like Mr. Renner (eighth grade); and Mrs. Hillary (sixth grade) who ingrained in me a sense of responsibility I will never forget. I'm fifty years old now--and I have spent two thirds of my life working as a teacher. I have earned ten California certifications and achieved National Board certification one year ago from the National Board For Professional Teaching Standards.

Still...I feel that what I know is not enough. I constantly want to learn more, be more, contribute more, and accomplish more. I have a tremendous need to leave my "mark" on the world. To teach...to touch...to bring forth new opportunities so that all children can achieve what they were meant to.

I know that this is a "tall order" and that after having already taught for twenty-eight years in the public school system--I should be able to feel that I have sufficiently made that "mark". Still...I want to do more. Something in me just cannot forget that second grade teacher who took me home the night before the last day of school--when my mother had to be hospitalized--just so that I could participate in the end of the year activities and experience my classroom party. I remember the coffee and orange juice on her breakfast table...her husband reading the newspaper...and her asking me if I wanted more cereal and milk. I rarely ever ate breakfast in the morning...so it was truly a treat to be asked if I wanted "seconds". Then there were the letters from Mrs. Tedder--all the way up until she passed away. Always encouraging me...and taking me under her wing. Even when I attended the University of Las Vegas, Nevada...Dr. Robert Koettel, my Psychology Professor, and his Teacher Assistant Bob Teagarden--kept me under their "compassionate microscope". Is it any wonder with such caring role modeling, that I should end up driving around in a car with a license plate that says: Luv Is...and a frame around it that says "A Teacher That Cares."

In my private practice as a Marriage Family Therapist, I provide therapy and assistance to clients (often single mothers with children)--who remind me very much of my own mother's situation with her twins (my sister and I). I have learned through this very special work a very simple truth: Everyone just needs a chance...a little push...a degree of encouragement. You know..."There but for the grace of God go I."...sort of thing. And I know this for sure: I couldn't have accomplished anything that I have, without the gracious gift of caring that my teachers....every one of them...bestowed upon me. I know this to be true in my heart of hearts and to the core of my soul.

I was truly an "at-risk child" --on anyone's standards. I was certainly bright...but lacking socio-economically speaking, and in terms of a "strong family support system." My school was my family...my teachers my second parents. They taught...they guided...they gave...they disciplined...but most of all...they noticed me. They simply and genuinely noticed me. They saw the seed inside that needed to grow; the flower that needed to bloom. And with this web-site I pay tribute to each and every one of them. They were the flame that lit the candle that burns inside my soul to this day. Hence...the birth of The National Association For the Advancement of Caring Teachers.

I hope you will join me in my quest to spread the notion that there, indeed, remains a strong force amongst America's teachers who are willing to reach out to those kids out there that need more than just academics. Kids today need to know that "grown-ups" exist throughout the school system who will lend a helping hand beyond the confines of the classroom. Let us be walking resources for our students and their families. Let us not shy away from the advocacy that they look up to us for. Let us stand tall in the face of the adversity of administrators who would try to push us down. Let us never forget that when all is said and done...it's the child who needs us the most; and who awaits the flame that will spark the desire to delve into the fire of knowledge and spring forth with the burning truth that anything is possible if one tries.