Kendra Blackmon finds respect is the key to learning in her Southside elementary classroom

Kendra Blackmon was the "accidental teacher" who came to Southside ISD to teach for a year while she waited to enter law school - and 14 years later, she is still inspiring students with her passion for learning.

She quickly learned that respect was the most important thing she could bring into her classroom. Students who were considered to be "nothing but trouble" by others gave her no trouble at all. "We learned, laughed, cried and grew together," she explained. Her goal is to make every student feel safe in her classroom. She respects student's opinions and expects them to feel comfortable giving their opinions. She wants them to stand up for what they believe and not be afraid.

Blackmon feels that teaching is a combination of skill and "a lot of blood, sweat and tears." On the other side, the rewards are immeasurable. "To stand within the walls of a classroom is to change the world. I don't look at my students only as whom they are now, but who they will become. I teach because every child deserves love, respect and an education." She believes that helping each child become a life-long learner means they can become understanding, responsible, helping, encouraging, capable, wondering and productive adults. She is sure she is exactly where she is supposed to be.