Inspiring Teachers Inspiring Students Danielle Guinan

Upon entering the classroom, my wandering eyes were unfocused, taking in all of the unfamiliar sights: the poster covered walls, the neatly organized desks, and the blue alphabet rug. Twenty children squirmed in their desks, giggling and chattering amongst their friends. Simply standing in the front of the room and smiling, my aunt, Mrs. Mozzochi, gained the attention of the class. With curiosity, I watched her teach even though at only four, I couldn't understand the information. I listened to her animated voice reading aloud, laughed at her humorous anecdotes, and pondered the idea of having my own classroom. It was these yearly visits to my aunt's second grade classroom that lit my passion for teaching.

At seven years old, I used this passion to transform my basement into "Danielle's Cellar School" with desks I helped construct from wood, a chalkboard, and old workbooks donated from my aunt. At Christmas, I was delighted to receive my own overhead projector. For my birthday, I begged my father for a bulletin board. Today, that cellar classroom is still in use as I offer homework help to other students.

In my own classrooms, my passion for teaching continues to present itself. I am constantly learning...