What motivates you?
I want to help each student learn and grow in their own way.  I truly feel as if they are my children, I want them to be the most successful they can be.  It is so rewarding to see a student reach their goal.

How has your job changed due to COVID?
I have had to be flexible and adapt to all of the changes and carry on with daily duties.  I am also trying to instill that into my students, so they can feel safe and comfortable.

What is something that people don’t understand about your job?
The children find their way into your heart, and can often times change your life.  You become invested in them and truly want them to succeed.

Why do you love VCSC/your school?
I attended Dixie Bee along with my brother, sister, and my daughter.  It has always had a special place in my heart. I love that I get to go to work each day and feel appreciated and like I am among family.

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.

What motivates you?
My motivation comes from wanting to learn something new every day.  My third grade students give me many opportunities to learn from them each day.  Each year brings a new group of students with new challenges and joys.

How has your job changed due to COVID?
My job as a teacher has changed dramatically due to the pandemic. My classroom organization and procedures are much different now than in years past. My students have handled social distancing and mask wearing well, but I miss seeing their smiling faces. I was able to observe my students’ facial expressions and quickly see if they were having a good day, or if they were struggling with a concept. That’s more difficult now. My students love their Chromebooks and we have learned together how to use them effectively in the classroom and from home.

What is something that people don’t understand about your job?
When you are a teacher, you don’t just turn off the lights in your classroom, close the door,  go home, and not think about your job until you arrive the next morning.   We take work home most evenings, plan lessons, surf teacher websites for new ideas to help our struggling students, and answer parent emails.  Your child becomes one of “my kids” and I worry about them and want the best for them just like you do.

Why do you love VCSC/your school?
In 1995, I enrolled my son in second grade at Fayette Elementary School and have been involved with the school as a parent, FESCO member, volunteer, substitute teacher, remediation teacher, teaching assistant, and finally a regular classroom teacher over the years. I tell everyone Fayette is the best kept secret in Vigo County. We are a friendly, small, rural school, with great teachers and support staff that work together to help our students be the best they can be. What’s not to love?

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?
My students are the biggest motivators for me. Every day when I come to school, I literally see the future of our world sitting right in front of me! Knowing that I could be a difference maker for many of my students inspires me to be a better person and role model for them! Fifth grade is the best grade because it is their last year as an elementary school student so I feel like I am playing a big role in shaping them to become respectful and responsible teenagers as they move on in their academic careers. It’s amazing to me how much my students grow in the short 180 days I get to spend with them.