“I have a simple teaching philosophy: reach the student first, and then you can teach the subject.”

Amber Carrow (MA in Educaton, 2004)
2010 California Teacher of the Year
World History Teacher, Chemawa Middle School

“I have a simple teaching philosophy: reach the student first, and then you can teach the subject.” So explained Amber Carrow (SES Teacher Education ‘04) upon being named a 2010 California Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Carrow has been a teacher for six years at Chemawa Middle School in Riverside, where the principal credits her with creating “a positive and exciting learning environment in her classroom.”

“I am challenged by my teacher-student relationships and I recognize that I will always be adjusting, re-thinking, and striving to attain their respect. I work very hard to take my class from ordinary to extraordinary. I attempt to bring history to life through a variety of teaching skills and hands-on learning techniques. As a World History teacher, I am able to teach students about diverse cultural achievements, religions, governments, geography, and arts from around the globe,” Ms. Carrow explains.

Ms. Carrow not only teaches about the world, she travels around it as well. This past year, she was awarded a Teacher Fellowship Grant from the Earthwatch Foundation to conduct scientific research in Nova Scotia related to the effects of climate change. She was in daily contact with her students via the Web. “They truly were transported through this experience,” she said, “and it has sparked their desire to participate in affecting positive world climate change from their school.”

Amber Carrow, second from left, next to California State
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell