CA PRIDE - PAM SEXTON

Pam Sexton has that special something that enables her to really connect with our first grade students. In addition to the time she spends working with them in the classroom, Mrs. Sexton is the person who is on the playground with them daily during Mouse and Lion Break and lunch. This gives her the opportunity to have informal conversations with them and get to know their personalities. The children really come to trust her and look forward to sharing their special news with her each day.

I first met Mrs. Sexton when I taught her son, Greg, in second grade. I knew her as an active parent who supported her own children and was a great volunteer. When we had a large first grade class in 1993, my predecessor, Dottie Seward, knew just who to hire as a teaching assistant to Mrs. Wilson for that year. Of course, it turned out that Mrs. Sexton quickly became an invaluable member of the first grade teaching team and has continued in that role since then.

First grade language arts instruction is so critical to the future academic success of our students . With her degree in English, Mrs. Sexton has the background to help our young students build that strong foundation of writing and reading skills. It is safe to say that Mrs. Wilson cannot imagine teaching first grade without Mrs. Sexton as her partner. During math instruction, Mrs. Sexton manages to seem to see what everyone is doing all at the same time. She moves from child to child making sure he/she is on the correct task, has the correct supplies out, and is paying attention to instruction. During independent work, she continues to be “on the move” as she checks in with students to see who needs assistance.

Mrs. Sexton is also the first grade science teacher. She loves plants and animals. This makes her a natural to excite young learners about the topics that are taught in first grade science.

Mrs. Sexton over the years has also tutored a number of our students. Sometimes they need just a little help to get over the hump of mastering specific skills. Other times they benefit from ongoing tutoring just to keep them on track. I always enjoy seeing Mrs. Sexton working one on one with our students. She gives them just the support that they need and, in the process, forges special bonds with them. Part of this can simply be a little time for personal conversation that lets them know she cares and is interested in them. Now that is what I call fostering a love of learning.