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Biographical Information

"Educators must strive to guarantee their students a quality education in a safe environment," says Lucy Quinby, who chairs the Foreign Language Department and teaches Spanish at Eureka High School in Eureka. Mrs. Quinby describes her classroom as a place where learning never stops. "Some days I am a theatrical ham; some days I'm a cheerleader; other days I'm a comforting presence, or a highly organized technological expert, or a research and resource guide," she says. Mrs. Quinby's work requires that she wear many hats; the enthusiasm with which she rises to the occasion reflects the fast-paced and energetic nature of her classroom style. In the near future, Mrs. Quinby would like to implement a "total immersion" Spanish language program at her school. She would like to develop a project that would rely on television, video, and computers to introduce students into a Spanish-speaking cultural setting. By harnesing media technologies, Mrs. Quinby would like to bring "downtown Mexico City, Madrid, and Buenos Aires," for example, into the classroom's daily fare.

Personal Message

Looking back on a 35-plus-year career in education, I realize the first thought is "no regrets." I loved my chosen career and enjoyed growing and changing every year with my students. As our schools, society, and student population change, so must the educators working with them. I learned so much about how the individual learns, the different ways of learning, the use of technology in the classroom for enhancement, the inclusion of all students, and especially how "one" we all really are in this world. Never cease to grow, to be curious, to explore, and to challenge your students. They deserve excellence every day.