Empowering Educators - Mrs. Tracy Phillips

Over the past decade, I have had a unique opportunity to work with many teachers and administrators from kindergarten all the way to the college level. Some of them have been merely acquaintances who I have passed by in the hallways while others have left a long lasting impact on my thinking about education. I have met wonderful, passionate individuals who love teaching, but yet, find opportunities in their lives to do so much more than that. These individuals are true testaments to the fact that there is no such thing as "just a teacher". It is my hope to introduce them and tell their story.

Meet Mrs. Tracy Phillips, Math and Science Teacher at North Elementary School; a Reptile Enthusiast, and Muay Thai Kick Boxer

Mrs. Phillips has been an educator for 19 years - 15 of which she has spent at North Elementary School in Okeechobee, Florida. Mrs. Phillips refers to herself as a home grown educator who graduated from our very own Okeechobee High School. When talking about her experiences in a small town, Mrs. Phillips stated that Okeechobee is a place that is not just home. She recalled the time when she walked into class at middle school, then at high school - with the same individuals; then years down the road - they walked their sons together to kindergarten. The relationships across multiple generations, according to Mrs. Phillips, is what makes Okeechobee unique.

Teaching was not the only career choice that Mrs. Phillips considered; however, it was the only one that had a promise to impact lives in a way that Mrs. Phillips was seeking to do. She spoke passionately about that magical moment in class when the child looks at you - with a smile on his or her face, as if the light bulb came on because they just understood a concept that they had struggled with. It is the face of success. Mrs. Phillips referred to this as an important life lesson; she stated that if students can do it at school, they can also do it later on in life.

Even though many in Okeechobee know Mrs. Phillips as a teacher, some do not know that Mrs. Phillips is a true science buff who knows more about plants and animals than an average person. She grows exotic plants such as orchids and herbs, and she enjoys anything related to horticulture in general.

Mrs. Phillips is also an avid reptile enthusiast. Her home includes sand boas, leopard geckos, and many turtles. Fortunately, this is a hobby that the whole family shares. Mrs. Phillips is proud of her children who have learned to be responsible by taking care of these unique animals. While many people are scared of reptiles, Mrs. Phillips explained that there is no reason to be scared of them; however, it is important to be educated about exotic animals so that you know what you are dealing with, and how to use caution when approaching and handling them. Last year, Mrs. Phillips' reptile handling skills came in handy when three snakes were intertwined in the fence at school. Mrs. Phillips came to the rescue and removed the snakes, using her snake-handling skills that she practices at home.

Mrs. Phillips got teary eyed when asked what she would like to tell her former students. She stated that she is proud of them. That she remembers them; not always their name, but as a student. She believes that she is a better teacher for having known them. Mrs. Phillips admitted that her former students have taught her many lessons, one of which is to recognize the disparity that exists in our community. This has molded her educational philosophy, and helped her understand the need to level the playing-ground so that all students have an opportunity to succeed.

Even though Mrs. Phillips does not teach reading this year, she has always been an avid reader. She enjoys reading various genres - fiction as well as non-fiction, historical fiction, and also philosophy. On an average, Mrs. Phillips reads about 60 books each year which has also sparked the love of reading in her children.

In long term, Mrs. Phillips wants to live a long and healthy life. Inspired by her husband who is into fitness, Mrs. Phillips signed up for Muay Thai kick boxing that she now does five days a week.  She referred to Muay Thai boxing as the art of eight limbs that is often used in self defense. For Mrs. Phillips, this is a unique and exotic way of committing herself to fitness and healthy life choices for years to come.


Dr. Tuuli Robinson
Educator and Lifelong Learner