TeacherReady

Showcase A Teacher

During her 20 year stint as a newspaper reporter and editor, Sara Rabb knew that she wanted to make a difference, and she did. But, after 20 years, she needed a change. Still, she wanted to make a difference; but, this time, she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. The idea of becoming a teacher “kept tugging at me,” she says. Her belief that life is too important to not do something that has meaning and purpose fueled her desire, and she has found that meaning and purpose in a third grade classroom at Oakcrest Elementary School in Pensacola, Florida. As she looks around her classroom, Sara smiles and says, “Being a teacher has not been a disappointment.”

Sara admits that she has always admired good teachers. Shaped by the memories of the “best teachers” that she had as a student, Sara attempts to model the techniques of these teachers by getting students engaged, participating, thinking, and talking. “The best teachers that I ever had were catalysts, and then they sat back and watched as students took over.” Sara is quick to admit, however, that her “best teachers” often did not fit into the traditional mold of teachers during their time, and she hopes that she is different in a positive way, as well.

In much the same way that she fondly remembers certain teachers, Sara wants to be fondly remembered by her students. When they look back on their time in her classroom, she hopes that her students can say that she “pushed them up” and continued to help them do well. When talking with one of her students, it became apparent that they already feel this way about her. “She’s silly with us,” one of her students says of her, “but when we’re being silly, we’re learning, too! We’re always having fun while we learn.” What could be a better testiment to a teacher’s effectiveness than a student suggesting that learning is fun?

Sara’s goals each day are to be effective, to stay off “auto pilot,” and to make progress with students. “I want to always move forward with my students.” Her point is that she wants to always push student to new heights, and she wants to push herself to new heights; and Sara’s point is well taken. One technique that she uses to maintain forward momentum is self reflection, which she suggests is important for all teachers but is particularly helpful for new teachers.

True to her dream, Sara Rabb is making a difference each day, and we salute her for her hard work and her passion for her job!