SUGAR CITY - "I remember the day I was four years old and I went to the corner and I waited for my sister to come home from school and she brought me all her school supplies and that started me as a teacher," says Sugar-Salem High School teacher Darla Arnold.

After that memorable day, Darla Arnold transformed her parent's living room into a classroom, taking on the role of a teacher and creating worksheets for her imaginary students.

"It took me 20 years. I raised six children and so when I was 45 I finally finished and got my education so I could teach," says Arnold.

Mrs. Arnold longed for her dream career for so many years. Now in her third year at Sugar-Salem High, all of that time has given her the chance to come up with new ideas to get students excited about English.

"We are doing a murder mystery and in doing so we are taking the facts and trying to find the murderer," says student Jaren Bean.

"It's better for us because we get to be in it and learn it and we can be involved in it and discuss it which is easier for us to learn it," says student Jordan Parkinson.

To learn persuasive writing murder, motive, and Mrs. Arnold make it possible.

"In junior high I kind of struggled with english and Mrs. Arnold when I had her she made it more fun made it more interesting and she kind of pulled me into it," says student Ryker Merrill.

From junior to high school these freshmen are experiencing something new.

"It's a very different student. The first day is so fun because they're terrified and I love to watch that but by two or three days they're comfortable," says Arnold.

That comfort comes with the help of their teacher.

"When they come in their names are on the front door. I make sure the names of all my new students are on the door so they know that I've been waiting for them," she says.

Waiting for her students, her career and making her childhood playtime a reality.

"So everyday I open the door I cant believe I'm here."

Congratulations to Mrs. Arnold who is this week's Head of the Class.

She will be taking home our Golden Apple Award courtesy of Crown Trophy.

If you know an educator making a difference in the schools send Justine an e-mail at justineb@kidk.com.