Cory Cantrall, Peet Junior High School

Position: 7th Grade English

Years Teaching: 25

Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Wood Working, Hiking

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy being a part of something that is bigger than myself. I love the people I get to meet every day. Building relationships with people all over the country due to our understanding of one another as educators is humbling. Mostly, I love the people that I work with in Cedar Falls.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Teaching is a minute by minute ride of emotions. We are dealing with young people, which means we have no idea what is going to happen from one moment to the next. As educators, we create plans, and then we get to see what is actually going to happen each day.

Best tip for new teachers: Surround yourself with people who value what you provide. Teaching is messy and that is OK. Do not try to be perfect...never compare yourself to anyone else. Be present with your students each day because relationships matter more than the content you are assigned to teach.

Best tip for career teachers: In this world, sometimes we are called to clean up someone else's mess. Do not be the person that leaves a mess behind for others. Pass on what you have learned along the way, and leave things better than when you found them.

Favorite piece of advice for students: "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold." --S.E. Hinton

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Honestly, it means I have the chance to say thank you to my mother and father. They both served their community faithfully as educators for more than 40 years. I just try to live up to the standard they set. This recognition is theirs because I would not be who I am without the foundation they provided.