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)