JANET CARNEY INC.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

Before moving to Florida, I taught in public and private schools, some wealthy and others poor. In 1992 I had the opportunity to teach in and help with the accreditation of a private school in Fairfax County, Virginia, which drew from an upper middle class neighborhood. In 2000 I was among a small group of teachers who opened a school for underprivileged children on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The extreme differences among socio-economic groups disclosed one common element for student learning: the importance of a safe, nurturing environment for all children. In addition to my interest in the arts, I have always had an insatiable desire to see the world. My curiosity and spirit of adventure have opened some exciting and unexpected doors for me. In England I had opportunities to teach, give several radio broadcasts on educational issues and observe a session of British Parliament. I also visited Mount Sinai and the great pyramids of Egypt, walked the ancient streets of Jerusalem, and participated in a Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto. As part of a mission team, I traveled to major cities in Brazil, where I encountered some of the poorest of the poor. Each trip deepened my compassion for and my understanding of those less fortunate. I also developed a tolerance and sensitivity to perspectives other than my own. Central to a very fulfilling life is my family. I have three children. Jacqueline is a senior scientist at a pharmaceutical company in NJ; Michael is a professor at St. Petersburg College and a doctoral student at the University of South Florida; James is a film student in the master’s program at Columbia University in NYC. From them I have learned to listen, encourage, believe and dream. Without these qualities teaching is merely a science, not an art. And now, the cycle begins again with my newborn grandson who instills in me a wonder of untold possibilities. As a teacher, I believe the same miracle of possibilities exists in each student. I also believe creating the right environment is necessary to coax hidden gifts and talents to the surface. Nevertheless, to witness the unfolding is more than gratifying; it is pure joy. Janet Carney