Mindy Fisher, Hansen Elementary School

Position: Special Education

Years Teaching: 26

Hobbies: I love volunteering with Retrieving Freedom, helping to raise future service dogs. I enjoy scrapbooking, taking walks on the nature trails, and watching my son play all of his sporting events.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Teaching offers profound rewards that extend far beyond the classroom. One of the greatest joys is witnessing the moment a student grasps a new concept—those sparks of understanding and growth are incredibly fulfilling. I love getting to know each student and helping them to love school. Teaching makes me feel like I am making a difference.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? One of the challenges all teachers face is addressing the diverse needs of students—every learner has a different background, pace, and style, and finding ways to reach them all can be demanding. It is also what I love about teaching.

Best tip for new teachers: My best tips for new teachers is do what fits you. What works for one teacher doesn't always work for another. Always be willing to try something new and just know that you cannot do all of the things. Teaching is a team effort, rely on your team!

Best tip for career teachers: My best tip for career teachers is that you set the climate in your classroom - remember if today was hard, tomorrow is a new day to make it better.

Favorite piece of advice for students: My favorite advice for students is remember that life is a choice - you can choose to be happy or not and choose to work hard or not...

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star teacher absolutely fills my heart with pride and is a humbling experience. It serves as a meaningful recognition of the time, effort, and passion poured into educating and uplifting students. More than just a personal achievement, the award reflects the positive impact. Earning a Gold Star is a moment of validation that all the long hours, challenges, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. For many teachers, receiving such an honor reinforces my sense of purpose. It’s not just about the accolade—it’s about knowing that I’ve truly made a difference.