What motivates you?
My students are my biggest motivation. Growing up, I had some wonderful teachers that taught me to love school. That is what I wish to instill in my students. There is no greater feeling than a student lighting up because they understand a new skill. Students should always feel like they are capable of learning. In my classroom, we acknowledge that some things are going to be difficult, but we can be masters with the appropriate tools and skills. I try my best to teach my students to be confident in their academics and believe in themselves.

How has your job changed due to COVID?
COVID has changed many things, from routines to the overall morale. On a daily basis my students talk about COVID ending. We all yearn for the “normal” days to return. The beginning of the year was a huge adjustment. We had to spend a lot of time playing catch-up from last year. This took a lot of patience from my students and myself.  Our students live in fear of going remote. They have a new appreciation for sitting at a desk and learning in a traditional setting. Even with all of the changes that COVID has brought on, our students prove day in and day out that they are resilient.

What is something that people don’t understand about your job?
We can’t always turn off our “teacher mode” as soon as our contracted hours are over. There are many nights that I have grading, planning, reporting, and worrying to do. Every student that comes through my door has a special place in my heart. It is my job to advocate for each and every one of them and make sure they are getting a quality education. No matter what challenges come with teaching, I know this is what I am meant to do.

Why do you love VCSC/your school?
I get to work with the most amazing teachers and staff. We are a family with one goal in mind, to make sure our students are enriched and loved. We work as a team to find creative ways to keep our students encouraged and engaged. Our students have a neighborhood school to call their home. It is easy to work for a principal who is uplifting and welcoming. I truly enjoy coming to work everyday because of the supportive environment that Mrs. Cook has created. Meadows is my home.

Be sure to check back on #Staffurday–Saturday, that is–as we recognize members of our non-teaching staff. We’ll continue both campaigns through the end of the school year.

What motivates you?
The students are my motivation. When they come to school I get to be a person they trust and feel safe around.

How has your job changed due to COVID?
COVID has put a damper on our big monthly celebrations. I used to be able to organize monthly parties for our Meadowlark lanyard winners. They would do things such as hot chocolate parties, glow parties in the gym, and popsicles with their peers. This isn’t something we can do since we would mix classes and be close with no masks. They had so much fun being rewarded for their good behavior. But, this has allowed me more one on one time with our students, and I’ve had to be more creative with recognizing the positive behavior, which is also fun!

What is something that people don’t understand about your job?
My job isn’t just about behavior. I have to learn how to connect with the students in our diverse population in order to understand how to help them. Sometimes it is discipline, sometimes I am a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes it is making them food before they go home because they are hungry, or washing clothes for them, or finding them warm things to wear. I love that our staff is so willing to help me help them.

Why do you love VCSC/your school?
I love being a Meadowlark! Mrs. Cook leads us in a way that makes us all want to do our best. She is someone that we all look to for guidance, but she also loves our kids like her own. Our staff is so caring and willing to help not only our students, but each other. We truly are one big family and we work together to help each student get the most out of their time at Meadows. Our teachers are top notch, their sacrifices during this pandemic definitely do not go unnoticed. The amount of creativity and love I have seen is incredible!

Be sure to check back on Wednesday as we highlight another teacher for #RedforEd Wednesday! We’ll continue both campaigns through the end of the school year.