Deepanee Samarakoon, Cedar Falls Lincoln Elementary School

Position: 2nd Grade

Years Teaching: 12

Hobbies: Reading, papercrafts, travelling, cooking

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Finding the most effective approach for students to learn and understand the lesson.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Lacking sufficient time and space to incorporate "fun" into the fundamentals of teaching in the best interest of the students.

Best tip for new teachers: Be flexible.

Best tip for career teachers: Be curious.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Be safe. Be kind. Be respectful. Do your best work.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? The acknowledgement and recognition that I have impacted someone positively in my capacity as an educator.