As a student in the Teacher Education Program at Texas A&M-Central Texas, I was required to observe model teachers in their classrooms. For 24 hours and 55 minutes, from February through April, I saw wonderful teachers in action, from kindergarten through 12th grade. I was privileged to observe such model teachers.

I want to thank all of them for their efforts on behalf of their students, their honest answers to my endless list of questions, their advice, their passion for education and the success of their students, but above all for demonstrating what it means to be a teacher.

Taylor Creek Elementary School -- Principal Dunn, Mrs. Meeks, Mrs. Skiles and Mrs. Kothman.

Hanna Springs Elementary School -- Principal Yeary, the front office staff, Mrs. Haviland and Mrs. Odom.

Lampasas Middle School -- Principal Brock, Mrs. Farquhar, Mrs. Mallett, Mrs. Foreman and Mrs. Lovett.

Lampasas High School -- Principal Kehoe, Assistant Principal Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Pendley, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Kuehne, Mrs. Rutland, Mrs. Boswell, Mrs. Henson, Mr. Harrelson, Mrs. Berry, Mrs. Roos, Mr. Guszak, Mrs. Leavell, Mr. Lovett, Mr. Smith, Mr. Lecker and the staff of the Life Skills classroom.

Perhaps the most outstanding experience of my time in the various schools was the students. They were simply wonderful. They were well behaved and well mannered, but the one thing that stood out most was the respectfulness they displayed toward their teachers and their peers. At the high school, the students who staffed the reception area were exemplary, willing, helpful and enthusiastic. These students are truly dynamic.

Thank all of you for having me in your schools and in your classrooms. I will carry these experiences now and always and allow them to shape me into an effective teacher.

Gail Dennis Student, Teacher Training Program Texas A&M University-Central Texas