Sandra Spearman (center) poses with her colleagues Calondra Slack (left) and Madelene Young (right) and her students.
Each month, the community nominates their favorite teachers and educators from the St. Louis region to be the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Teacher of the Month. May’s winner is Sandra Spearman, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189. Ms. Spearman received a $250 gift card courtesy of Elco-Chevrolet Cadillac.
Describe your teaching experience.
I have been teaching for over 20 years. During this time, I have taught fourth grade, third grade and first grade, which is where I have spent most of my career. I got my start as a teacher at Hawthorne School in East St. Louis School District 189, which is where I have taught my entire career.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of my classes is the students’ inquisitive nature. I love that they love learning new things! Many of my former students have excelled in middle school and high school and then gone on to college to receive degrees. I feel successful every day when my students have learned new concepts and are able to explain it to others and utilize it in such a way that they extend their own learning. After my students’ time with me is done, I hope they will know they are valuable, loved and can be successful in whatever they decide to do in life.
Your nominator mentioned you build and nurture relationships with your students. Can you elaborate?
In my classroom, I build community. Each morning, every child is greeted and welcomed to the classroom. I take a moment to listen to what is important to them and learn about their families, pets, friends and beyond. Additionally, we celebrate our successes, support each other when we have difficulties and embrace each other when we are sad. I also attend students’ performances and sporting events regularly. I try to make everyone feel like they are special and encourage them to treat each other with kindness and respect. I try to mediate and restore friendships that can sometimes get lost along the way. We are our own little family!
Do you have any special projects you are working on?
In my free time, I love to take care of my plants, make t-shirts and craft. One craft that I do frequently is decorating my Happy Planner. It is something that I use daily in my classroom to lesson plan and keep up with important activities and dates. I decorate it to add a little razzle dazzle to each day.
I am also a Make-A-Wish Wish Granter! Through Make-A-Wish, I help brighten the lives of very sick children. One of my favorite wishes happened at my own school. We had a Wish Kid at our school, and I was able to help grant his wish to visit Walt Disney World!
How do you feel about being named May’s Teacher of the Month?
I am so happy, excited and honored! It is a good feeling to know that what I do naturally is seen and admired by others. I try to show the love of God each and every day! My family and friends are so proud and happy for me.
To read all the stories in the 2023-24 Teacher of the Month program, visit STLtoday.com/teacher.
