Published Tuesday, April 08, 2008 2:04 PM
Updated Tuesday, April 08, 2008 2:05 PM
Laura Evans, pictured with Dr. Gene Sires, says he has been a great source of support during her first year as a teacher.
Teacher and principal weigh in on each other
As her first year of teaching approaches the finish line, Laura Evans takes some time to think about the support of her principal, Dr. Gene Sires and what it has meant to her.
She says it’s been great having ongoing contact during the morning classroom visits, conducted by either Dr. Sires or Assistant Principal Sue Jarvis.
“They always tell us what the focus of the visit will be, so it’s not as if they come into the classroom trying to surprise us,” Evans says, adding that each teacher always gets feedback about how the visit went.
Evans describes Dr. Sires as being a quietly supportive, ‘my door is always open and I’m always here for you’ sort of leader.
“He shows a lot of support in a very caring and quiet way. I take this to mean he trusts me,” she says. “I remember during the first part of the year, he told me if I ever needed anything to let him know. He also told me I was doing a great job. That gave me the sense that I had been given his trust and support. I also know he has high expectations and would not have hired me if he felt I couldn’t do this job.”
Evans says a large part of what has made her first year easier is the team of second grade teachers she works with.
“Dr. Sires trusts them. They have all taught for several years and they’ve taught here at Summerville Elementary for several years,” she says. “At our team meetings, they’re good about letting me know how Dr. Sires likes things to be done. So far, it’s worked beautifully.”
When she looks at the big picture, Evans values the guidance she’s had during this first year.
“I don’t feel stressed by expectations from Dr. Sires and other teachers. They let me fly,” she says. “I’ve felt very supported and very respected. That’s something that, as a first grade teacher, you can’t put a price tag on.”
According to Sires, the school has very little turnover because they try to hire teachers who are a good fit. They also provide guidance through teacher mentors and teams. Sires says Evans has handled her rookie year perfectly.
“She’s just done an excellent job. I was the principal when she was a student here – and her mother used to work at this school too. It was great when she graduated from college and wanted to come back here to work,” he says. “She’s very nurturing to children and she’s good for our faculty.”
Sires adds that Evans puts a creative and fresh spin on things.
“It’s been a positive experience to have her here with us. She brings us a lot of new ideas. It’s been very encouraging for me.”
Jarvis describes Evans as being wise beyond her years.
“She’s got a great way with people and she has a very nurturing voice. Her lessons are always well prepared and even though she’s a busy first-year teacher, she still finds the time to tutor math in our after-school tutoring program. That’s not something every first-year teacher has time to do.”
Jarvis illustrates Evans’ masterful people skills by describing a difficult parent conference for one of Evan’s students - one that everyone knew had the potential to go south very quickly.
“Laura walked into the meeting and because of the way she handled everything, immediately diffused a situation that could have been terrible. She handled it beautifully.” Jarvis says. “We’re just glad she’s here. We’re glad we got her.”
Contact Sharon Gnau at 873-9424, ext. 215 or sgnau@journalscene.com