Constance Hines has been teaching for 28 years, and she has made her mark in many ways. During her career, this history instructor has been named Broward County Teacher of the Year and Pasco County High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year. One of her most important contributions has been the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Wiregrass Ranch High School. As sponsor of the GSA, Constance has helped many students who have experienced problems. One student says, "She is a great listener and advice provider. She will go out of her way to help anyone who needs it. Without her, I wouldn't be as confident in myself as I am now." And Constance is an animal lover too, volunteering for the Cat Crusaders of Tampa organization at PetSmart.
Why Constance roots for the Rays: "I love the Rays' 'never quit' attitude and their hard-working style. Besides, what other MLB team has a rally cat named DJ Kitty?"
In Alison Kearney's relatively short five years of teaching, she has quickly become one of the most successful and loved teachers at her school. She teaches reading and language arts to a wide range of students with an advanced class, an intensive class and an on-level class. Students respect and admire her, and they often continue to keep in touch after graduating. For Alison's students, her love of running and sports has inspired them to start healthy habits at home. This Tampa Bay Rays fan also coaches the girls' volleyball team, and because she is so well-loved, students clamor to try out for her team. Even students with issues at home open up to her because they trust and respect her, and she never fails to inspire them to lead healthier lives and respect each other.
Why Alison roots for the Rays: "I'm a fan of the Rays because their energy, humor and camaraderie on and off the field make baseball fun to watch!"
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Rolf Metral came to the U.S. knowing no English and spent his first two years in education teaching English Language Learners (ELL), so he understands the difficulties faced by parents who don't speak English. Two years ago, Rolf applied for and received a grant to provide after-school instruction to parents. He teaches them technology and English, so they're able to check their children's grades, send emails and do basic Internet searches -- tasks that most of us take for granted, but that can change lives. Rolf now teaches fifth grade, but has also taught fourth and is officially recognized by the state of Florida as a "highly-effective" teacher. Although an injury ended his dreams of playing Major League baseball, Rolf still loves the game and volunteers as a Little League coach. He won many awards as a baseball player in high school and college, but he is even prouder of the recognition and praise he has received as a teacher.
Why Rolf roots for the Rays: "I love the Rays because they have been part of my life's best moments. It was the first game I took my wife to 13 years ago, the last game my father and I got to go to before his passing, and it was the first game I ever took my son to."
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The PEOPLE All-Star Teachers Contest is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense school overseas and Canada (excluding residents of the Province of Quebec) who are at least thirteen (13) years of age as of 3/10/14. To enter and view complete Official Rules, which govern this Contest, visit www.allstarteachers.com. Contest begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 3/10/14 and ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 6/29/14. Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 5/6/14. Void in Quebec and where prohibited by law. Sponsor: PEOPLE Magazine. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com. Target trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Target Properties. Visit Target.com.
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