Empowering Educators - Mrs. Lynn Thomas

Meet Mrs. Lynn Thomas  - Reaching Coach and New Teacher Mentor at North Elementary School 

January 27-31 was a Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida. Schools across the state were challenged to organize fun and engaging activities throughout the week to support literacy and the love for reading. Our days at North Elementary School were packed with various reading activities - all thanks to Mrs. Lynn Thomas, our Reading Coach. The week culminated in a well organized buddy reading activity on Friday when all students across campus read to someone, or with someone. Mrs. Thomas reflected on the day and said that she tried to make her way into each and every classroom during our buddy-read. Hearing all the voices from kindergarten to 5th grade read to one another, "it was just beautiful", she said. She said that our 5th grade students were so kind to the little ones, and "that just warmed my heart". 

Promoting literacy and is just one way that Mrs. Thomas contributes to North Elementary School, and she has had many successful years molding students and teachers at all levels. This year marks Mrs. Thomas' 37th year of being an educator - 35 of which she has spent either in a classroom or coaching those who are in a classroom. Contrary to many who have always known that they wanted to be a teacher, Mrs. Thomas did not quite think that she would be a teacher one day. She loved numbers, and even thought about being an accountant. It was not until her high school counselor spoke to her and said: "You are a teacher". This gave Mrs. Thomas something to ponder about. Being a neighborhood babysitter, she already had a soft spot for kids. Then, visiting an elementary school classroom and sitting in a chair that was (according to Mrs. Thomas) four inches above the floor, she instantly knew that this was it! She had found her calling which she does not regret. Mrs. Thomas also talked about her great aunt who was a teacher. She still has her great aunt's initial teaching contract from the one-room schoolhouse years ago which reads that she was not to mingle outside the church, not to marry, and among many other things, she was to get her own switch for students' discipline. While education and requirements for teachers have changed quite a bit, Mrs. Thomas said that she would love to have an opportunity to sit and talk to her great aunt for an hour. "I bet our stories about students would not be much different", she said. 

When in classroom, Mrs. Thomas taught first and second grade. She talked about this as hard and important work. "It is not a play", she said. "This is the place and time where differences happen", and she stated that "You have to be in the trenches when trying to reach students". Teachers are the individuals in our society who do just that by being in direct contact with students during their crucial, developmental years. 

Even though 35 years in an educational system is a long time, Mrs. Thomas said that she keeps on coming back because of the ties that she has developed to our community, and the commitment that she has made to help students. She spoke highly about her colleagues and administrators whom she has had opportunities to work with throughout the years. Mrs. Thomas said that she has had the privilege to work with professionals who were once in her own 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. She said that it is not only a privilege to watch them grow and bloom in many different ways, it is also a privilege to work with them in this capacity and learn from them each and every day. 

As a reading coach, Mrs. Thomas works mainly with adults, but she cannot stay away from the classrooms. She has set up small group lessons with students who need additional assistance, and she goes into classrooms to assist teachers as well. When asked what does she enjoy most - working with students or with adults, Mrs. Thomas said that "Adults are just like kids, just in bigger bodies". Working with them in the coaching capacity is really more about working together and helping to  keep focused. Focused, well planned teaching is hard work as teachers have to wear so many different hats. Setting high expectations can be even more difficult, especially when we encounter students who come to us with major struggles and various needs that have nothing to do with education. Mrs. Thomas talked about the importance of not allowing those struggles become excuses, and get on the way of setting the bar high. She said that "I have found that students rise to the challenge and I am rarely disappointed".

Team work among adults on campus is essential, as we are here for the kids, but we can also be here to support one another. "Sometimes we might just need that reminder from one another for why we are here, and what we do is truly in the best interest of our students", Mrs. Thomas said. 

Reflecting on teacher- student relationships, Mrs. Thomas said that having the opportunity to get close to the kids also presents itself in fun ways outside of school. She giggled when she talked about students often yelling to her across the aisle in Walmart: "Mrs. Thomas, I have seven AR (Accelerated Reader) points!".

Mrs.Thomas also spoke about the challenges of being an educator, and the sacrifices that educators often make to do the best for someone else's child and their family. She remembers the days where she got carried away making sure that each and every child in her class would have Valentines Day cards and treats, only to come home and remember that her own children did not have any for their class. She said that "I know this is true for all of my teacher friends with families and children". Mrs. Thomas said that she would like to thank all the educator's families, especially  their children, for making this sacrifice and sharing their moms and dads with other students. 

In her spare time, Mrs. Thomas enjoys things that bring peace and tranquility. In her world, there are two things that do just that: the beach, and reading. Mrs.Thomas loves historical fiction, and she has been recently fascinated by stories in the Old England theme. 

North Elementary School is grateful for having Mrs. Thomas among our ranks as a teacher, coach, and a mentor!

Dr. Tuuli Robinson,

Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Colleen Smith

Meet Mrs. Colleen Smith - 1st Grade Teacher and New Teachers' Mentor at North Elementary School 

January is National Mentoring Month. While this month is mostly dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth, I would like to take an opportunity and highlight Mrs. Colleen Smith, a first grade teacher and a New Teacher Program coordinator at North Elementary School who plays a crucial role in mentoring new teachers - helping them get through the crucial first year of teaching.

As a teacher, Mrs. Smith is well known for seeking out new and innovative ways of engaging students, and trying out new methods that can help students who are struggling. Even though this is Mrs. Smith's 17th year of teaching, her classroom looks a little different each and every year. This is not a coincidence, and has a lot to do with Mrs. Smith's personal experiences within the educational system.

Mrs. Smith said that teaching is something that she loves to do. Education has been always very important to her, and she has had a fortune to have many great teachers throughout her schooling. Additionally, Mrs. Smith said that she has been influenced by her family who has been involved in educational system at all levels. Additionally, her personal experiences have shaped her way of teaching. Being a student who was once retained at school, Mrs. Smith understands the struggles that students can have without proper supports. Mrs. Smith spoke about one of her teachers and her influences that have had a positive, long lasting impact on Mrs. Smith. Today, many students are fortunate to have Mrs. Smith as the teacher who helps them, by not only delivering high quality lessons, but by truly understanding where they are coming from, and scaffolding their learning opportunities to meet their needs.

Mrs. Smith compares teaching to a puzzle. "When students do not get it, there has to be another way", she says. Thinking of this "other way" is what keeps Mrs. Smith on her toes each and every day. She explained that "somehow, some way things are triggered; some things work out and others do not. But at the end of the day, this puzzle comes together, and students learn - in their own way, and at a different pace, but they do learn".

This is why Mrs. Smith's classrooms looks different each and every year, and this is why there is never a lesson that is exactly the same. "I am just trying to reach each and every one of my students, to set them up for success, so that they can reach their fullest potential in what they do", Mrs. Smith said.

For the longest time, Mrs. Smith taught kindergarten, and this year she made a switch to first grade. Mrs. Smith said that she finds the change exciting; it gives her an opportunity to learn and figure out something new. She even calls teaching her hobby. This is not a surprise. When visiting Mrs. Smith's classroom, one can find many unique setups and opportunities for students to learn - all with a light hint of Pinterest-like fun and excitement, while always centered around educational standards.

Mrs. Smith also plays a crucial part in new teacher training at North Elementary School. She is not only a mentor teacher, but more so the program coordinator - making sure that all of the new teachers are on track with things that they need to do in order to complete their New Teacher Program with the school district. This includes setting up observations in master teacher classrooms, conducting follow up discussion with the new teachers, holding training sessions to discuss educational standards, lesson planning, student discipline, or anything else that can be challenging to first year teachers. This is not an easy task, especially, after a full day of working as a teacher herself. When asked why does Mrs. Smith do it, Mrs. Smith emphasized the importance of making teaching public. "We cannot keep what we know, to ourselves", she said. If we know how to reach the kids, or what works, it is our duty to share it with others".

Outside the school, Mrs. Smith's time evolves around her family. She enjoys being with her children at home, at their games and competitions, and of course, being at her husband's high school football team games.

Often, Mrs. Smith can be found after school in her classroom, either waiting for her children's practices to be over, or, with her children by her side. When Mrs. Smith's mom, a former educator, is visiting Florida, she comes and helps out as a volunteer at North Elementary School.

North Elementary Schools is blessed to have the Smiths as part of our NES family!

Dr. Tuuli Robinson,

Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Kari Steiert

Meet Mrs. Kari Steiert - Kindergarten Teacher, Team Leader, and Sunshine Committee Chair at North Elementary School 

Mrs. Steiert has been an educator for over 15 years. She said that she has always loved children, and she started her career with children in a school aftercare program. At that time, Mrs. Steiert also tried her hand at entrepreneurship, and she bought a small business, Candy Bouquet, where she enjoyed making various arrangements of sweets and candies. While she loved the hands on and creative aspects of this job, she quickly realized that it was not a job that could support her needs - inspiring her to look for a job with the school district. Mrs. Steiert became a paraprofessional at North Elementary School where she has remained to this day. While at NES, Mrs. Steiert also went back to school, and she obtained her teaching degree through Florida Atlantic University. At the time, Mrs. Steiert was part of the AIT program that allowed her to receive on-the-job training from a mentor (Mrs. Barbara James), while also having her own class.

Currently, Mrs. Steiert teaches kindergarten, and she is also the kindergarten team leader. Being a kindergarten teacher is challenging, but it is also fun. Mrs. Steiert said that as a kindergarten teacher, she gets to be the one to see a lot of the "firsts" for each of her students. She says that she feels bad about parents missing out on those firsts when students are at school, and she tries to keep parents included as much as she can through her class Facebook page where she posts pictures and updates about her class and their activities.

Mrs. Steiert is also North Elementary School Sunshine Committee Chair. This task goes along well with Mrs. Steiert's positive attitude and bubbly personality. Under her leadership of this committee, NES has seen a huge increase in various events' participation. For example, the Sunshine Committee holds frequent Create and Decorate meetings with staff members, and they also organized several other staff events prior to the holidays this month. These and other team gatherings such as NES staff Christmas party, Jingle Jog, city Christmas parade, NES door decorating contest, many fundraisers, and even the Secret Santa - all had a high staff participation this year and helped with keeping morale high during times that can otherwise become stressful.

Mrs. Steiert said that she cannot take all the credit, and that the committee was just passed on to her which she truly did not mind. She said that she loves being around people. Having a huge family, she said that they always celebrate something. And while it is fun to do things with a few people, it is more fun when everyone else gets involved. Mrs. Steiert said that she looks forward to doing things with others at North Elementary School. "It is a good group of people", Mrs. Steiert said. "Being together takes away our frustrations. It is like a therapy". She also mentioned that an important aspect of these group activities is the learning from one another. "While it is not about work, we still talk about it, and someone always walks away with a new idea or understanding about work as well."

Mrs. Steiert takes great pride in teaching kindergarten, and she said that people sometimes do not understand all the things that kindergarten teachers have to do. "When people say that teaching kindergarten is easy, it hits a raw spot". She stated that teaching - in kindergarten and beyond, is such an important job and if it was not for a teacher, we would not have the professionals in other areas of life.

The first class that Mrs. Steiert had in kindergarten has now graduated from high school, but Mrs. Steiert says that she still remembers them. She said that these students and others who followed  have been important stepping stones in her life; every student has taught her something, and made her a better teacher.

Looking back, Mrs. Steiert spoke highly about her mentors who paved the way for her career as a kindergarten teacher: Mrs. Barbara James, her mentor through the AIT program, Dr. Pat McCoy who gave her an opportunity as a teacher, Mrs. Carol Gable - her mentor teacher, and Mrs. Cammie Hudson - a team leader who taught her a lot. Mrs. Steiert said that these individuals have pushed and encouraged her, and they have helped her feel successful about what she does. Last but not least, her current colleagues at school play an important role in her learning, she said. This is where the team building activities and "play dates" come in, she said. Being on one team gives us a unique commonality - we are all here for the same reason. When we talk about things, someone usually has a solution, and it helps others - not matter how long they have been teaching.

Mrs. Steiert lover her job, but says that her biggest accomplishment in life is being a mom. She said that she loves children, and she could not imagine her life without them. Her love and caring has definitely carried over into the classroom where Mrs. Steiert lays a first foundation to her students' formal education in a fun and age appropriate kindergarten environment.

Dr. Tuuli Robinson,
Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Jeanne Hazellief

Meet Mrs. Jeanne Hazellief (Myers) - Full Time Exceptional Students' Education Teacher at North Elementary School and North Elementary School First Year (Project ONE) Teacher of the Year 2019 

What makes a great teacher? One way to find out is to visit Mrs. Hazellief's classroom at North Elementary School where she teaches exceptional students' education (ESE) in a full time classroom setting.

Mrs. Hazellief joined the North Elementary School team at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year. Previously, she had worked at Okeechobee High School (OHS) as a paraprofessional and a security guard at the gate. While students at OHS are much older and more independent, Mrs. Hazellief said that just like the little ones at the elementary school, they also wanted to talk to someone; they wanted for someone to listen to them and to be their sounding board. Elementary school students need more guidance, Mrs. Hazellief said; and she sure provides her students with that and so much more.

Even though this is Mrs. Hazellief's first year of teaching, she has already gone through a change of a teaching assignment. Mrs. Hazellief started out as an ESE inclusion teacher, but transitioned soon after into a full time ESE classroom. Being new to what she was doing - Mrs. Hazellief shared that she was initially cautious and even intimidated about another change. Little did she know that she had found her niche - a calling that she is not only good at, but one that she absolutely loves.

Mrs. Hazellief shared that the first year of teaching has been very exciting but also terrifying. Mrs. Hazellief holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, and therefore, she is new to teaching in a classroom setting. This has been a challenge for her, Mrs. Hazellief said. She said that she has been afraid to fail, and more importantly, afraid to fail her students. But then, she said, when she sees her studnets' faces once they finally understand a concept and when they get excited about being successful, it changes everything. Mrs. Hazellief says that it is all about helping students; helping them to become passionate about learning, and being able to believe that they can do it.

Being afraid of the assessments and passing the test is something that Mrs. Hazellief can talk about from her firsthand experience. She said that she was terrified of the teacher certification test, and she was dreading taking it. She was struggling with finding strength to get through it, and she shared it with her students. It was the students, Mrs. Hazellief said, who encouraged her and helped her believe that she can do it. In the interview, Mrs. Hazellief said that when she finally went and took her test, she used her scrap paper for notes during the test. The only thing that she wrote on it was something that her students wanted her to believe in. Her paper said "I can do it". And she did.

As a certified teacher, Mrs. Hazellief has introduced structures and practices in her classroom that are integral for the success of her students. Teaching multiple grade levels in one classroom is a challenge that even most experienced teachers can struggle with, but Mrs. Hazellief makes it look easy and natural. Her small group rotations allow students to get their teacher time while also providing them with individual practice time where they are accountable for their own learning.

When it was time to select the First Year Teacher of the Year at North Elementary School - there was no doubt that Mrs. Hazellief was very deserving of the recognition. It is difficult to say who was more excited about the award - Mrs. Hazellief or her students. The smiles on her students' faces conveyed one common message - they were very proud of their teacher!

Mrs. Hazellief shared that outside the school she enjoys photography and traveling. Her family is also actively involved with community events - specifically events held by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Her favorite activities with this organization are Shop with the Cop and Pictures with Santa and Grinch. Mrs. Hazellief called both of these events "touching experiences" - something that warms her heart during the holiday season.

North Elementary School  is very proud to call Mrs. Hazellief the NES First Year Teacher of the Year of 2019. We wish Mrs. Hazellief the best of luck at the district competition!

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Jena Spencer Williams

Meet Mrs. Jena Spencer Williams - Physical Education Paraprofessional and North Elementary School's School Related Employee of the Year 2019

Each and every morning, Mrs. Jena Spencer can be found in North Elementary School cafeteria - talking to students and helping them with their breakfast. Mrs. Spencer helps students to find a seat, open their milk carton, or just tie their shoe laces; what ever is needed - Mrs. Spencer is at their service with her bubbly personality, and a smile on her face.

Mrs. Spencer shared that she has always hoped to have an opportunity to be part of the NES team. Two years ago when a position came open in the PE department things did not line up, and Mrs. Spencer missed out on the opportunity to join the team. Mrs. Spencer remembers being disappointed, but said that what was to follow, could not have been planned out any better. Mrs. Spencer had an opportunity to help out at NES, filling in for a secretarial position at the front office which allowed her to get to know the staff, students, and their families. She refers to this experience as a "great transition" into what was to come. In 2019-20, Mrs. Spencer was offered the physical education paraprofessional position, and she was ready to step in. Mrs. Spencer states that the front office experience definitely helped with this transition as it allowed her to be more comfortable with the school, the procedures, as well as the people.

When asked what inspired Mrs. Spencer to think about becoming a paraprofessional, she stated that she always wanted to work around children. She shared that she is a busy sports mom, and she has also been coaching soccer at Parks and Recreation and at Upward Soccer. These experiences on the field have allowed her to share good times with friends and family in Okeechobee which then led her to develop an interest in working with students in a school setting.

Mrs. Spencer said that teachers are some of the most important people in the whole world, and she had a personal story to share to explain, why. Mrs. Spencer admitted that as a teenager, she had a hard time at school. Being often the youngest in her cohort, she remembers feeling insecure around others who just seemed to grab things faster. Mrs. Spencer remembers that she was ready to give up as she found herself at risk of failing. Entering the senior year with a low GPA, she knew that she had to do a quick turn-around or she would not graduate. She remembers feeling like this was not a possibility until she entered Mrs. McKee's classroom at Okeechobee High School. Mrs. Spencer said that Mrs. McKee made a difference in her life. "Mrs. McKee did not let me fail, and made me feel capable", Mrs. Spencer said. "I did not believe I could to it until I heard someone say it to me". Mrs. McKee was that teacher who saw the potential and empowered Mrs. Spencer - allowing her to finish the senior year, graduate with good memories about the school, and more specifically, with good memories about this particular teacher who made the difference in her life.

It has been an upward spiral since then, Mrs. Spencer said. The encouragement from one teacher made the difference that initially allowed her to graduate from the high school, but later resulted in Mrs. Spencer's ability to obtain a job that she desired to have.

Mrs. Spencer said that she wanted to share this story because it illustrates that taking time for students and being positive with them can be everything to a child. "As educators", she said, "we have the ability to turn everything around". We owe this to our students, and we simply cannot give up on them.

Mrs. Spencer said that she has made good memories at NES, and she has received so much in return from students and staff members. She said that she has learned that you do not have to move someone out of your heart to make room for others. Being in contact with so many wonderful students, it is as if her heart has grown, and she has become a better person herself. "I just love these kids so much", she said.

It is not a coincidence or a surprise that Mrs. Spencer was nominated and then selected to be North Elementary School's Employee of the Year of 2019-20. We wish the best of luck to Mrs. Spencer at the district competition!

Dr. Tuuli Robinson 
Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Cassandra Holliday

Meet Mrs. Cassandra Holliday: 2nd Grade Teacher at North Elementary School; Environmentalist, and World Traveler 

Mrs. Cassandra Holliday is a second grade teacher at North Elementary School in Okeechobee, Florida. This is Mrs. Holliday's second year of teaching. Immediately after being hired, Mrs. Holliday's unique teaching style was noticed by her administration, and she was named the North Elementary School 1st Year Teacher of the Year - a title which she will be passing on in the upcoming weeks.

Mrs. Holliday stated that since she understood what teaching was, she remembers wanting to be a teacher. She talked about her childhood, and how she, being the oldest child in the family, often played school with her siblings. Mrs. Holliday talked about her grandparents who have had a huge impact on her life, and how they guided her to find a profession that would allow her to have a substantial income and flexibility in life. Under the guidance of her grandparents, Mrs. Holliday was toying around with the idea of becoming a criminal prosecutor, but life just took a different route - and always centered around children in one way or another. Starting at age 12, Mrs. Holliday had several babysitting opportunities. Later, she helped with high school drama classes, and also assisted teachers as an after school volunteer by help teachers do things for their classrooms. Later, when enrolled at Florida State University, Mrs. Holliday signed up to be a tutor to serve the unique needs of the population in the area. Mrs. Holliday stated that in her 20s, she had the epiphany that her experiences have paved a path for her to be a teacher - a career that she now enjoys.

Mrs. Holliday is a good match to a classroom setting as she has a good understanding of her students and families in general. Having studied human psychology and worked for New Horizons as a counselor, it was further confirmed that teaching is the "thing" for her. She now enjoys the connections that she has with her students, and the challenge of empowering each and every one of her students in ways that set them up for success. Mrs. Holliday described teaching as molding minds: "I am not here to tell them what to think, but how to think". She talked about students asking deeper questions, and reaching the moment where they get excited about something that they did not know before.

Today, Mrs. Holliday is content with her career choices, as she has the opportunity to have an impact on her students' lives. She said: "You cannot change the world, but you can change each child. You can spark their interest in something that is important to them". In addition to teaching 2nd grade, Mrs. Holliday is now tutoring the 4th and 5th grade students during the after school tutoring session, with hopes to increase her impact on students at NES.

When talking about the profession of teaching in general, Mrs. Holliday compared teaching in America and New Zealand, the homeland of her husband Ivan. She spoke about the changed perceptions, and how she feels that teaching has become undervalued across many nations. She spoke about the teacher salaries, and the huge discrepancies of salaries between America and New Zealand where teachers are paid significantly less when considering the cost of living. Mrs. Holliday called our current situation as a crisis in education, but concluded enthusiastically that at the end of the day, we do not do it for money; and those who have a passion for it, make it work.

Outside of her classroom, Mrs. Holliday has a great passion for outdoors, and she is an avid traveler. She has lived in four different countries, and traveled to twenty five others. Her pursuit is to take on the National Parks system in the United States, and she has already visited 23 of the 60 parks. Mrs. Holliday said that having these rich experiences makes her a better teacher. She is not limited to disseminating the information that she has learned from others; rather, she can now share information from her own experiences.



At North Elementary School, Mrs. Holliday is well known for her abundant knowledge about various animals. Earlier this year, she helped a group of kindergarten students and teachers to be safe from a snake that had sneaked into our campus. Mrs. Holliday said that she is used to handling various animals, including snakes, as she grew up with lots of animals at home. She said that they had horses, emu, Guinea pigs, a talking parrot, snakes, and even a zebra. At one point, she stated, her family was in the process of building an island in the middle of a large pond to be able to have monkeys, but they ended up moving prior to the conclusion of the project.

Her life experiences with animals give Mrs. Holliday an interesting insight to the surrounding nature. She said that handling animals becomes naturally to her, and she appreciates the value of each living organism. Mrs. Holliday and her husband are into permaculture - a set of principles that are centered around the whole-system thinking. In simple words, it emphasizes the importance of everything working together in harmony. Mrs. Holliday explains that practicing horticulture is quite difficult here in Florida as the climate is very hard. Her and her husband have experimented with planting various plants and raising small animals, but their work was largely destroyed during the hurricane Irma. She stated enthusiastically that they are building it all up again, and she enjoys talking about the importance of creating harmony in what she does, to her students as well.

Mrs. Holliday and he husband also enjoy diving, and when they plan upcoming trips, the ability to dive at these locations is a determining factor when choosing the destination. Mrs. Holliday is genuinely interested in our world, and the things that are in it. In the world that evolves around tablets and smart phones, Mrs. Holliday has been able to get her students hooked on great outdoors as well - each year (depending on the group of students), from a different angle. Last year, Mrs. Holliday said, her students were very science-minded. They enjoyed learning about reducing the human impact in the nature. They even had their classroom compost bin that they later emptied into the school butterfly garden. This year, Mrs. Holliday said her students are more social sciences oriented, and they are more interested in travel and the world in general. No matter what the angle, Mrs. Holliday is happy to lead discussions in class that are not only driven by the curriculum, but also support students' natural inquiries in their learning. When someone walks into Mrs. Holliday's classroom at any given time, they will find references to various enrichment activities that give students an opportunity to deepen their learning and become more genuinely engaged in their learning process.

Even though Mrs. Holliday is just at the beginning of her teaching career, she is already thinking ahead and worrying about her students' future. With emotion, she stated that she hopes for the very best for each and every one of her former students, and wishes that they will be able to reach their full potential - no matter what they decide to do.

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner

Travel photos provided by Mrs. Holliday

Empowering Educators - Dr. Heli Lusti

Meet Dr. Heli Lusti: Radiologist, Lifelong Learner, and My Mom

Dr. Lusti is a semi-retired radiologist with extensive medical work experiences in hospitals across Estonia as well as Finland. When asked why Dr. Lusti wanted to become a doctor, she stated that her own illnesses as a child led her to ponder her potential in the field of medicine. Having grown up in a single parent household, Dr. Lusti remembers the challenges that her mother had with a child who was suspected of having a heart condition. She also remembers the extreme poverty in her childhood, and wanting to lay a foundation to a better life for herself and her family.

Dr. Lusti obtained her general medicine degree from University of Tartu in Estonia, followed by a residency in radiology in 1978, also at University of Tartu. A stringent school-to-employment referral system that existed in Estonia during the Soviet Union years landed Dr. Lusti on her very first job assignment away from her home town Tartu; in a small town in central Estonia. This placement immediately introduced challenges at a personal level: being a new doctor with two little children, and a husband whose work assignment was in a different town.

With her unique experiences as one of the first radiology students who was taught at University of Tartu (previously medical students had to go to St. Petersburg or Moscow to obtain this specialization), Dr. Lusti faced rapid growth opportunities at the local hospital. Before long, Dr. Lusti was named the head physician at the hospital which allowed her to be exposed her to other areas of medicine. With the high need in the surgical area, Dr. Lusti started helping out during overnight shifts in their surgical emergencies department.

Due to her extensive experiences - in less than ten years, Dr. Lusti was named the Assistant Head Doctor of the Jõgeva Hospital, specializing in the area of the job expertise evaluations of other medical professionals. Even though Dr. Lusti recognized the political challenges that were present during the Soviet times, she spoke highly of the medical system that depended heavily on an immediate referral system through local outpatient services. People were able to get assistance quickly from an area expert. With today's privatized medial system and family medicine practices, she stated, referrals take more time and often, people get held up in a loophole of referrals - without getting the immediate assistance that they need.

With the political turmoil in late 1980s and early 1990 which introduced new structures to the dynamics of how organizations were ran, many jobs across the country were eliminated. Dr. Lusti found herself in a need to start over, and she set her eye at the hospitals in her home town, Tartu. New beginnings were tough. Dr. Lusti started out assisting at the University of Tartu, creating instructional programs in the radiology department. At that time, she was also involved with reviving the Estonian Radiology Association in an effort to unite radiologist across the nation. Dr. Lusti eventually ended up working at an Oncology Center in Tartu. At that time, ultrasound and imaging techniques were first introduced at the hospital, with no experts to use the new equipment. Dr. Lusti had opportunities to study at the Vilnius University in Latvia as well as at the Helsinki University in Finland, to become one of the few experts in the diagnostics using the new equipment to interpret the findings of the ultrasound and computer tomography scans.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding of the newly independent Estonia since 1992 introduced new and challenging shifts in equality, and Dr. Lusti found herself in a perpetual cycle of low income, and the relived fears for poverty as she remembered from her childhood. Dr. Lusti was determined to keep on pressing, and for the second time in her life, she left behind what she knew and set out for a new challenge. At age 50, Dr. Lusti packed her bags, and, with the little bit of money that she had, headed to Finland for a better job opportunity. Due to accreditation issues with the medical degrees, Dr. Lusti was faced with having to re-take all the medical examinations in Finland which she completed at Tampere University, and immediately got a job at the Kristiinankaupunki Hospital in northern Finland.

Dr. Lusti looks back to these years with a smile on her face as she enjoyed the job but also the area in general that has unique history, architecture, Northern Lights, and frequent rain deer sightings. On a challenging side - even though in Finland, Kristiinankaupunki has deep historical roots in Swedish developments. Therefore, it was not enough for Dr. Lusti to learn Finnish language - she also had to learn to communicate in basic Swedish to be able to talk to her patients.

Dr. Lusti was immediately named as a head doctor of the x-rays and imaging department where she started working on digitalizing the outdated diagnostic equipment at the large Kristiinankaupunki Hospital. She worked with General Electric representatives to bring in new machines, and led the way in mammography imaging.

Then, for the third time in her career, Dr. Lusti found herself in a situation where her job was affected by historical and socio-political developments of the country. Local municipal agencies started to downsize the Kristiinankaupunki Hospital; first eliminating the surgery department, followed by the closing of the department of internal diseases. In 2007, the entire hospital was closed, and patients had to travel to Vaasa Hospital - hours away from home. Dr. Lusti re-located to Vaasa where she worked as a radiologist until her retirement in 2015.

The retirement did not last long, however. Several private companies immediately reached out to Dr. Lusti, trying to "buy" her services as a diagnostic specialist. Dr. Lusti has since worked as a consultant at the hospitals of Lahti and Helsinki in Finland, providing services related to ultrasound imaging and interpretations of the findings. When asked why does Dr. Lusti keep on going back, she stated that it is about helping her patients. She said that being a doctor is not something that you do, rather, it is your life. The changes in the medical field require doctors to be lifelong learners, which is something that she has done. Learning has not taken place only through formal trainings, but even more so through the daily meetings with co-op doctors to review the cases and learn from the work of others. Dr. Lusti stated that in any field, you have to keep learning every day in order to keep abreast with the latest research and methodologies.

Looking back, Dr. Lusti is satisfied with her accomplishments, and she credits the desire to keep on going to her personal experiences during different political reigns, ups and downs, successes and failures. She said that her job has not been easy. Interestingly, she did not talk about the difficulties of re-locating or having to learn new languages and systems, but rather, she talked about the difficulties of delivering the message of the new diagnosis to her patients. Dr. Lusti said that the most emotional experiences are those where you have to deliver a message of a re-occurring cancer to a person; especially to a young person. This has been the most drastic part of the job.

Five years after her initial retirement, Dr. Lusti is still talking about retiring, and she stated (again), "Maybe next year." She is looking forward to traveling more as health permits, and add to her long list of countries that she has already visited.

As my mom, Dr. Lusti has been my inspiration in everything that I do. Even after obtaining the highest and most honorable degrees possible, she has pushed herself further each and every day - inspiring me, my brother - Dr. Targo Lusti, and the grandchildren (one of whom currently attends medical school as well) to follow her footsteps in our own ways. Her perseverance and ability to get up after being crushed personally and professionally are more than admirable. Her professional accomplishments are an example, a shining star, that I try to reach each and every day.

With love,
Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner 

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Lynn Levins

Meet Mrs. Lynn Levins: First Grade Teacher and Half-Marathon Runner

Mrs. Levins is a first grade teacher at North Elementary School. Today, she was seen scurrying around the hallway, sporting her colorful dinosaur dress. With a smile on her face, she said - this is for the kids. They love it!

Mrs. Levins has been an educator for ten years, and her pathway to education was paved through personal life experiences and a-ha moments about the schooling of her personal children. First, she volunteered at her children's school and got a glimpse of the hard but rewarding work that teachers did. This sparked her interest in substitute teaching. While substitute teaching, Mrs. Levins also decided to go back to school. She obtained her teaching degree online through Western Governors University. Mrs. Levins said that participating in an online program allowed her to do what she needed to do educationally while still continuing to work during the day, and being there for her kids in the evenings.

Mrs. Levins explained that coming into education later on in life definitely has its advantages. Having  raised children of her own, Mrs. Levins stated that she has a better understanding of how to handle kids, but also, she has a better understanding of where parents come from. She said that she understands the frustrations, worries, and everything else that comes with parenthood.

When Mrs. Levins talked about her students, she said that her students are the reason she keeps coming back each and every day. The days when students get excited about learning and ask the teacher to "do it again", are the ones that make teaching rewarding. Small-group learning time is Mrs. Levins' favorite, she said. Why? Because this is where students are challenged, but also, it is the time when real connections can be made. Mrs. Levins says that small groups are great for learning and engagement, but also for relationship building. She talked about situations where students would tell her that they did not know each other's names, but had an opportunity to get to know one another in a safe environment in a small group. Mrs. Levins explained that his is the kind of learning that should be happening at schools - and this is where students want to be.

Besides teaching, Mrs. Levins has also tried their hand at running a small business. Recognizing the need in the community, Mrs. Levins and her family opened a bowling alley with a hope to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for families that they could enjoy at a low cost. The business brought a lot of excitement and enjoyment, but it also brought many heart aches. Mrs. Levins described how all of her resources - including time and energy, went into the business that just did not seem to give back financially. There were other perks though, she said. While Levins family has now closed this business, many memories have remained. Mrs. Levins described how students who came to visit at the bowling alley would often say "Mrs. Levins, I did not know you work here!". Mrs. Levins stated that this was important for the kids to see; they saw their teacher working like many of their parents, which, Mrs. Levins hopes, helped students to make a better connection to her in class.

Mrs. Levins admitted that the long days at school and long nights at the bowling alley took its toll on her. To overcome this, Mrs. Levins tapped into health foods and physical fitness activities.

She started running. It started out with one mile jogs that then extended into three miles, then into six miles. When her friends saw what she was doing, they jumped right in and now, there is a group of friends who are together dedicated the healthy life choices and physical activities. As jogging turned into running, a few miles here and there also turned into more and more miles every day. Now, Mrs. Levins trains for the 13.1 mile half-marathon, and she participates (along with her running mates) in half-marathons all over the state of Florida.

Mrs. Levins concluded her story by saying that running has turned into something more than just a hobby. It is now a lifestyle. Describing how running has changed her life, Mrs. Levins stated that she now starts her day at 3:30 am, and then runs for an hour prior to heading to work at NES. She stated: "Running gives me more energy that lasts throughout the day, and it empowers me to carry on as a mom and educator each and every day".

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Chelsea Fraser

Meet Mrs. Chelsea Fraser - 4th Grade Math and Science Teacher at North Elementary School; Hand-Lettering and Macrame Artist at Fiber + Pen

On Thursday, a photographer visited North Elementary School for an opportunity for some stock photos for the school district publications. She was able to get some unique photo ops in Mrs. Fraser's classroom: the teacher was using technology and online tools to deliver the math content, students were using dry-erase markers to write on their desks to solve math problems, and the teacher was making her way around the classroom, getting students' attention with theatrical intonation and moves. Mrs. Fraser explained: "If I have to make a fool out of myself to get them to understand the content, then that is what I will do". Mrs. Fraser talked about the importance of students' readiness to learn, and said that before we can teach, we need to set the stage to engage. "We are teaching hard stuff", she said, "and getting students to where they can understand it is the fun part".

Mrs. Fraser joined North Elementary school as a first grade teacher, and this is her second year in 4th grade. When attending University of Central Florida, Mrs. Fraser majored in radio-television, but quickly realized that this was not something that she enjoyed. She had an opportunity to lead a cheer leading group as part of an after-school program, and she was hooked. She switched her major at UCF to elementary education, and became a teacher in 2016.

While teaching is not for everyone, Mrs. Fraser feels like her calling is definitely with students. "They  make me happy", she said. She also talked about the importance of the relationships that she has with her students. Mrs. Fraser explained that her unique approach to school and education stems from a conference that she attended a few years ago. She said that one thing that resonated with her was the approach to teaching that emphasized the idea that you are a school teacher; not just a classroom teacher. This is why Mrs. Fraser looks for opportunities to be involved with students in and outside the classroom. "It is not just a job, but your life", Mrs. Fraser said. I call parents. I go to games. Talking about her relationships with students, Mrs. Fraser stated that we have to put our heart and soul into it because there is so much at stake. We teach manners, and how to talk politely. How to be accountable for our talk - not just academically, but even just in our conversations with others.

Mrs. Fraser reflected on her goals and aspirations in education and shared that she has definitely found her niche in teaching math, but she is also very interested in the mental health aspect of education. She recognizes the needs that students have when they come to school, and emphasized that they need to have a safe place - a location or a person, to go to. Mrs. Fraser is trying to give her students just that. A safe and engaging classroom where students want to be.




Outside her work at North Elementary School, Mrs. Fraser is a hand-lettering and macrame artist. She stated that she has always been a doodler; a visual learner and someone who has to write things out. Her friends took a notice of Mrs. Fraser's unique style of handwriting, and encouraged her to do some writing for them. Initially, Mrs. Fraser wrote greetings on Christmas cards, invitations, and more.

Today, this little gift has evolved into a professional hand-lettering and macrame artistry at Mrs. Fraser's own business, Fiber + Pen, and her online store on Etsy. Mrs. Fraser explained the hand-lettering as a form of art where she uses fiber arts and pens; and the macrame as the art of tying knots. Mrs. Fraser said that she now does macrame and handwriting decorations for individuals as well as for businesses, calligraphy for weddings, graduation announcements, and of course anything that anyone at school asks her to do. Many examples of Mrs. Fraser's hand-lettering art can be found across the campus at North Elementary School. Additionally, visitors at North Elementary School now enjoy a large, welcoming wall mural with our NES Tiger - painted by Mrs. Fraser over the summer.

Ms. Fraser concluded her interview with a special message for her students' families. "I am grateful that I get to spend my days with your children. I hope that I have played my part in helping students to become independent, learning to advocate for themselves, and building their confidence". She added: " Thank you for letting me be on your team - because that is what we are".

Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Leah Suarez

Meet Mrs. Leah Suarez - Children's Mental Health System of Care Site Coordinator for the Okeechobee County School Board, and founder of Our Village Okeechobee

Wednesday, October 10 was Mental Health Awareness Day. Earlier this week, Mrs. Leah Suarez solicited assistance from school leaders in Okeechobee to help her spread the word, and ask everyone at their schools to wear green in support of this cause. Many schools and individuals shared their green photos on social media, tagged with a #okeesoc, #notalone, and #worldmentalhealthday.

"This is a tradition that we stared here in Okeechobee", Mrs. Suarez said. She stated that it is really cool to see how this initiative has taken off, and spread to other communities as well.

The passion that Mrs. Suarez has for bringing awareness to mental health related issues is not a coincidence. It stems from her personal life experiences as well as from the jobs that she has held since graduating from college. Mrs. Suarez has worked with marginalized and under-served populations since 1990. Interestingly, it all started at a baseball field where connections with people led Mrs. Suarez to her initial work with children and families. Mrs. Suarez said that being bi-lingual was a factor that got her hired. She worked with the Department of  Children and Families and held various social positions that exposed her to issues with foster care, child support, revenue maximization, and more. Later on, Mrs. Suarez' rich background in support services led her to accept a position in Florida  Community Health Center building a health benefits coordinator program and later, developing medical case management systems. Her work in social services with marginalized populations and her experiences in case management have paved her way to the field of facilitating support services, including mental health related services, to those in need.

Mrs. Suarez shared that she did not set out to do work in this field. When obtaining her degree in Speech (Interpersonal Communications) through the University of Central Florida, she aspired to become a presidential speech writer. The reality, however, has turned out to be very different than that. With her mom battling cancer, uninsured, and passing before Mrs. Suarez' graduation from UCF, Mrs. Suarez's focus turned to helping others, and connecting them with resources that are needed to get through life.

Helping others has happened in may ways. "I have fostered", Mrs. Suarez said, "And I still do". She shared that her family takes in kids as they come - often with trauma. Over the years, Mrs. Suarez has provided a safe place to 30-40 children; anywhere from a a few days to years.

Work with children and youth eventually led Mrs. Suarez' to find her way to the school district. This is Mrs. Suarez' third year working with the school district - first as a classroom teacher at North Elementary School, followed by her current position as the Children's Mental Health System of Care Site Coordinator. Taking on this position had its challenges - leaving her students at NES, to start with. Even though the new job was a good match with what Mrs. Suarez' had done in past, leaving students, mid year, was not something that she was ready to do.

Teaching others, while having a rich experiences in social work, has it's challenges as you look at people from a different angle. "You cannot educate until you have built relationships with your students", she said. Mrs. Suarez has observed that many students come to our schools with trauma, and they are defeated. Their desire to learn and do well has to be cultivated. And because of that, Mrs. Suarez shared, educators have a special place in students' lives. "It is not always the content that we teach, but rather the life lessons". Even today, Mrs. Suarez has a special message to her students and other youth. "You are enough", she said. "You are worth so much more than you imagine. Find your grit, and go for it".

Outside her work with the school district, Mrs. Suarez spends her time helping people through Our Village Okeechobee - a community resource center that focuses on providing individuals and families in need assistance in getting back on their feet.  This organization is based on the idea of giving a hand up, not a hand out to those who seek assistance. Establishing Our Village is a dream that started back in 2015, and it has been the labor of love. Today, this organization provides health and educational services for those in need. "My goal is to fill the gaps; to level the playing field and bring on equity", Mrs. Suarez said. At Our Village, people are connected with community resources and donors to satisfy their needs and to match people with those that can help.

Our Village Back to School Expo Volunteers

Mrs. Suarez talked about the hundreds of home visits that she has done to reach out, and the eye opening experiences that she has had in the course of that work. She said that she is fortunate to know and understand where these families come from, as she has experienced difficulty and hard times herself. Mrs. Suarez talked about the searing memories of her own life, and her understanding and empathy for students who have it rough - having to go through hardship to even get to school. This has left Mrs. Suarez with a strong will to help. Much of this has become possible through her work with Our Village where she provides tutoring services, peer support groups, and skills groups for both youth and their families. There are Spanish classes, ladies groups, and more. Mrs. Suarez shared that they hosted a grad party, back to school expo (the event volunteer crew pictured above), and more is still to come.

Mrs. Suarez admitted that juggling these may responsibilities is a challenge; a challenge that she has been able to overcome by managing her time well. "There cannot be a minute that is wasted", she said. Three days a week, Mrs. Suarez leaves her day job and heads over to Our Village to provide tutoring services.  When asked, why, Mrs. Suarez simply said: "If you see Our Village, you will understand". It has become another home - a place and an experience that Mrs. Suarez is able to share with her family.

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner

(Photos provided by Mrs. Leah Suarez)

Empowering Educators - Mr. Tyrone Smith

Meet Mr. Tyrone Smith, 1st Grade Teacher at North Elementary School and Head Football Coach at Okeechobee High School

Many people who meet Mr. Smith do not think of him as a classroom teacher at an elementary school. Yet, Mr. Smith has enjoyed being a 1st and 2nd grade teacher for over 16 years. Mr. Smith says that his interest in becoming a teacher is the result of a series of empowering teachers that he himself had at school. He said that starting in 6th grade, he continued to have teachers who simply believed in him, and helped him when he needed help the most. Later at high school, a bus-driver child-care program that gave high school students an opportunity to take care of these children was the beginning of Mr. Smith's work with pre-school students - followed by other jobs in day care centers in the community. At that time, he knew that he wanted to continue to work with children. He found himself in a dilemma as he thought of founding his very own day care, but did not want to deal with the bureaucracy and paperwork of owning a business. Mr. Smith stated that he has been fortunate throughout the years to have opportunities to work with children in the capacity that he dreamed of; and eventually, become a teacher.

Mr. Smith spoke very fondly about his experiences in early childhood education, and the opportunities that he has as a coach at high school that allow him to complete a full circle in many of his students' lives. He said that "I see them when they are 6-7 years old, then in the community, and then again at the high school". Seeing their growth is important - something that he enjoys.

When asked about his thoughts about the teaching profession, Mr. Smith said that this job is about molding lives. Setting students up for their future. "It is our job as educators to mold them into successful people". That is something that cannot happen just in the classroom. Every day, Mr. Smith finds opportunities to walk around in the cafeteria at North Elementary School to be seen and to be available for the students. Not only as a teacher, but as a male role model at an elementary school. He said that he finds it important to tell students who he is. "Hello, I am Mr. Smith and I teach 1st grade". Why? "Because it is rare to see an African American male teaching 1st grade anywhere in America", he says. "But that is what I do. I am real".

After leaving North Elementary School, Mr. Smith heads over to the football fields to coach.  Interestingly, he stated that years ago, he never really wanted to be a coach - but his very own high school coach got him into it. Mr. Smith coached for a few years at the college, and that is how it all got started. In June of 2018, after being a defensive coordinator and assistant coach for the Okeechobee High School football team, Mr. Smith was chosen to be  the high school head football coach. This is something that he agreed to do, but it forced him to get out of his comfort zone - or "his shell". He admitted that the first year of coaching was rough, and that just like teaching, coaching continues to have its own frustrations. But at the end of the day, it is not about managing the team or finances. It is about managing the kids and their lives. That has made the task more comfortable, he said. Mr. Smith believes that the relationships that he created with students and adults that play important roles in these students' lives have allowed people to see a different side of him, and have made him more approachable.

When asked what Mr. Smith would like to tell his former students, he stated that it is important to keep their heart open for the world that is out there. He said that we cannot stop ourselves from growing, but too often, this is exactly what happens. Many students just get stuck in a rut, and never make it to where their potential could take them. Mr. Smith talked passionately about colleges that are out there, and the importance of learning about the opportunities that these schools provide. He said that this is very difficult for students who feel like they have made it when graduating from high school because this might be the highest achievement in their family. Mr. Smith wants to encourage these students to keep going, and feels that educators (at all levels) are in a position to expose our  students to what all is out there.

Even though Mr. Smith is originally not from Okeechobee, this town has a very special place in his life. He spoke keenly about the positives that this town has brought to his life - including his wife and his beautiful children. He said that he loves this community like he was born here. But he also worries about our community and students within it who might not have the most stable lives. Then again, he said, this is a town that comes together when we need to come together. He spoke about the high school bonfire, the homecoming parade, and the small town atmosphere in general that makes Okeechobee a home for many. He said that he wishes we could do things like that more often. Especially because there is no mall, or other fun things that might be available on the coast or further down south. And that is why, he feels, it is more important than ever that those who have had the opportunity to go, see, and do, would come back to our community and share their experiences. "We owe that to our students", he said.

Mr. Smith would like to encourage young people who have left and done great things to come back and tell their stories. Especially those who were perhaps not set up for success, but went and did it anyway.

Finally, Mr. Smith spoke about the student-parent relationships, and emphasized the importance of parents being the first educators. Educators who teach students about life, and being able to make wise choices in life. "Wise, not just right", he said. Many of us always make right choices because that is what we are supposed to do, but without a deeper connection to the actual reasons for why these choices are right. For example, he says, people should not drive under the influence not only because that is not right, but also because they should not want to put others in danger. That is being wise. We must teach students to see the difference, and prevent them from making unwise choices that can have a long lasting impact on their lives.

Mr. Smith finished his story by saying that eventually, the kids will need to choose what they will do, and they must choose wisely. He encourages students and his children to go out there and make a difference. To make a difference not only in their life, but also in a community in which they live.

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner

(Photos provided by Mr. Ty Smith)

Empowering Educators - Mrs. Kristi Nolte

Meet Mrs. Kristi Nolte, Gifted Education Teacher at North Elementary School; a Wildlife Biologist, and Amateur Entomologist 

Mrs. Nolte is a lifelong learner. She obtained her first Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she majored in psychology. She pursued a second Bachelor's Degree, followed by a Master's Degree at the University of Florida where she studied wildlife ecology and conservation.

Interestingly, Mrs. Nolte's first job was that of a crisis counselor in a baker act unit - a job that she refers to as stressful and scary. Mrs. Nolte stated that it really made her ponder if this is really what she wants to do, and she eventually left that job. She did not dismiss the experience though; she stated that as a crisis counselor, she learned how to talk to people and how to identify signs and symptoms of the feelings that people have. It also helped her to build a certain level of comfort when approaching people and working with them. Now, Mrs. Nolte stated, the skills that she learned help her notice things with her students at school. The child psychology classes also helped, she said. Understanding the science behind childhood and adolescence helps you to have realistic expectations about what the students are capable of (or not). It has helped her to keep things in perspective.

Mrs. Nolte was a parent of a student at North Elementary School when she was approached by the school administrator with the idea of considering teaching gifted education - a new program that was being built at NES at that time. Mrs. Nolte said that she did not feel qualified for the job at the time as her background was mainly in sciences. Still, she accepted the position, and has loved it ever since. The first (half year) was tough, she stated. Even though the State of Florida allows alternative teacher certification as a pathway into classrooms, Mrs. Nolte shared that coming into education without a degree or experience in education was not easy. Long, crazy hours with little pay did not do justice to the position, but there was something about it that pushed her to obtain a teaching certificate, and come back the following year. Mrs. Nolte said that teaching gave her something that she had been longing for - an ability to make a difference; something that she never felt when working as a wildlife ecologist. She simply loved it. The years that she worked as a wildlife ecologist were very repetitive in nature: breeding birds, rescuing birds, collecting data, and then releasing them. Teaching, however, brings new challenges every day. And these challenges are not limited to just teaching. With the on-site gifted education being a new program at the school, the airplane was being built while flying. Three and a half years later, it has evolved into a rigorous, science-focused enrichment program that reaches beyond the classroom through hands on experiences at Riverwoods field laboratory in the heart of the Kissimmee River basin and at Florida Coastal Oceanographic Center in Stuart, for example. Mrs. Nolte is very excited about a third possible field trip experience for younger students this year. She said that it is definitely a work in progress with a simple goal of exposing students to the ecology around the Okeechobee area.

There are several other initiatives that Mrs. Notle has introduced to NES gifted program - all evolving around stretching the limits of students' thinking. Last year, Mrs. Nolte's students participated in the virtual Treasure Coast Stock Market Game; they took  first place by even outperforming  Wall Street. Mrs. Nolte and her students were recognized at the ceremony at Florida Atlantic University main campus in Boca Raton. Additionally, Mrs. Nolte's students brought home several medals from the Florida Elementary Science Olympiad in Orlando. These experiences have been valuable life lessons for those who were involved; forcing students to take risks, think outside the box, and just go for it.

The feeling that she is helping someone has been the driving force behind Mrs. Nolte's motivation to work as a teacher. She stated that it is not even only about helping students, but also about helping families. Mrs. Nolte has worked diligently in an effort to identify and advocate for the gifted and talented student population even when the students do no meet the FLDOE eligibility requirements for gifted education. She has been disseminating information to families about the Duke University Talent Identification Program in a hope to open new doors for students who might have been otherwise "left behind".

Mrs. Nolte believes that the profession of teaching is actually so much more than just teaching due to the simple fact that the kids need so much more than that. There are days where she feels like she is in a mother's role as kids might just want to come and tell her about their day. At morning duty, there is a group of kindergarten students who never pass by Mrs. Nolte without her having an opportunity to ask them about their day. When these students arrive, Mrs. Nolte stops any conversations that she might have with adults and takes time to ask about their day. With a smile on her face she states that "This is just something that we do. They never go past me without me talking to them".

Mrs. Nolte stated that sometimes, students come to her with emotional needs. We teach them about kindness, ethics, values; so much of what we do and teach evolves around teaching them how to handle frustration and disappointment. These are the life skills that they need. Spending time on the emotional support upfront is important because the kids end up being happier. That is our goal.

With that being said, Mrs. Nolte has not turned her back to her interest in wildlife. She is an avid collector on natural history. She has a collection of bugs and a collection of skulls that she kindly shares with her students during Career Fair at school. This is a nice glimpse of her past in the present, even though she says that the majority of her leisure time these days is taken up preparing her own children for school, packing lunches, organizing birthday parties, attending soccer games and PTO events, and of course, doing laundry.


When asked about her former students, Mrs. Nolte stated that she misses them. She always wants to know what they are doing, and if they are okay. She worries about them going to middle school and hopes that they are happy and make friends. Mrs. Nolte stated that it is almost as there is a feeling of void when she does not know how they are. She wishes that her students would keep up the enthusiasm for learning when leaving her program, and that they would keep in touch with her. Mrs. Nolte has a special message to all of her former and future students: " I think about you all the time and wonder how you're doing.  So if you see me at Walmart or Pogey's, don't wonder if I'd like to talk to you.  I will always want to talk to you and hear how you are doing (smiley face)".

Mrs. Nolte also has a special message to parents. She said "Please know that I love your kids, even if they challenge me". This is the "thing" about education, she said; you cannot simply spend so much time with students and not care about them. Mrs. Nolte also talked about the importance of the home environment and the expectations that parents have for their children. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with the teachers - even when parents do not always agree. Mrs. Nolte believes that positive parental support is so important in child's attitude which is a driving force behind their success at school. Mrs. Nolte feels like she has been very fortunate with the parent-relationships that she has had, and she appreciates these partnerships as they are paving the pathway to students' success.

When Mrs. Nolte's told her family that she is thinking about becoming a teacher, her mom said that she is not at all surprised. Her mom remembers that Mrs. Nolte often played school during her formative years.

We are glad that Mrs. Nolte has picked up her childhood passion, and we are privileged to have her at North Elementary School!

Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner