When asked about her philosophy of teaching, 2008 Rapid City Teacher of the Year Jackie Swanson quoted Socrates: "An unexamined life isn't worth living."

"We teach who we are," she said. "Change is huge, and we need to be constantly thinking about how we can grow as individuals." Swanson, who is beginning her 31st year of teaching, isn't talking about moving out of a building or grade level. "Change comes from within," she said. "It's an inside job."

Swanson has taught 8th-grade writing at North Middle School for the last seven years, and has taught at North for 16 years. She has been at the forefront of the writing workshop approach, which involves a one-on-one teaching approach with limited lecture, and labs as part of writing class. "Since the beginning of 2006, I have hosted visiting educators who come to my classroom to see the Writer's Workshop in action," said Swanson.

According to Swanson, one of the most significant things she has done in her classroom is have her desk removed. "For most of us, our desk is a security blanket," she said. "I can develop a much better relationship with my students by wheeling around the room on my stool, right at their level, one on one. By using the Writer's Workshop approach, I make the time to meet each student eye-to-eye. Just as important, I enjoy the time with my students. When they know that I care, they do their best."

Swanson is concerned not only about her students' education, but also their physical and emotional well being. "At North, many of my students are dealing with issues such as alcoholism, abuse, and neglect. A lot of my students are in charge of their homes, so when they come into my classroom, they resent being told what to do. We take care of basic needs first, and I emphasize that we're doing this together. I succeeded as a single mom, my kids made it through, and I want them to know that they can too."

In order to establish relationships with her students, Swanson said she is not a "yeller" when it comes to discipline, preferring the "hurt my heart" approach, which she feels is more effective. "Our main mission here is kids, and sometimes they have a lot of issues. I have to decide how best to address those issues."

Swanson enjoys the relaxed, safe atmosphere created for the teachers and students at North. "Both the administration and the staff are nurturing," she said. "We are given freedom in the classroom to meet the needs of our students. When I have a new idea, my principal, Jeanne Burckhard, will respond by saying 'go ahead and try it, and what do you need from me?' That's not true everywhere."

The nurturing atmosphere at North makes Swanson feel safe to speak out regarding issues such as curriculum, budget cuts and teacher salaries, and she encourages her colleagues to do the same. "We're part of an overall team. It is not a "them vs. us" situation. We are encouraged to feel safe to speak up and not be scrutinized."

As a veteran teacher, Swanson said that although she may be considered wise because of her years of experience, she actually feels like she knows less. "Kids are changing, the world is changing. Will Jackie stay the same? No, I need to move with it."

Because of the changing landscape of education, today's teachers must wear many hats. "That's the way it has to be, but we need to be valued for wearing those hats," said Swanson. "It's hard to feel valued when you're quibbling over a 1.5 percent raise."