First Name: Laura
Last Name: Peterson
School: Harris Accelerated School
City: Madison
State: IL
Comment: Laura's love of children and learning far outweigh anything else. She has a natural ability to create rhymes, songs, and dances to teach her kindergarten class the art of reading and math. She creates a warm and nurturing environment that allows children to feel comfortable and content to try new things and take chances. She tells them, "It is OK to make mistakes; that is the way we learn." Not only is she an awesome teacher, but she is also willing to help her peers. If she doesn't have what they need, she will find it for them. She is a great person, teacher, and peer.