Chandler Public Schools

In her fifth year of teaching and third year in Chandler, Stacy Lee teaches fourth grade at Park Road Elementary.  She says she strives to have a loving and creative atmosphere in her classroom.  Stacy taught second grade in Harrah, where her mom is also a teacher. 

Q When did you decide to become a teacher and why?
A If you ask my mom, she says I was always teaching…or maybe it was bossing… my younger brother around.  She said that I would set up “school” and have books and papers for them to write on.  I don’t remember that too much, but I do remember looking up to some of my favorite teachers in elementary school and wanting to be just like them when I grew up.  I never questioned what I was going to be.  I attended Rose State College after high school and after receiving my associated degree in pre-education, I transferred to Oklahoma State University and graduated with my bachelors in elementary education. 

Q Give an example of a time when a teacher impacted your life:
A I loved my third grade teacher, Mrs. Webster.  She was bubbly, and full of life.  She incorporated art, music, and actions into lessons that made you want to learn.  She was also very loving and invested in each and every student, or at least that’s what I remember feeling.  I remember being so excited when she moved up to 5th grade, so I got to have her as a teacher again!  When I think of the teacher I want to be when I grow up, she is one of the example that I see in my head. 

Q What is a challenge you face as a teacher?
A I think that one of the biggest challenges for me is reaching every student.  With so many students in a classroom that come from different backgrounds educationally, emotionally, and environmentally, it’s hard to connect with them and to work with each one on his/her specific needs. 

Q What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A  I love seeing their creativity come out and their skills develop.  Each student has a different set of skills and talents, and I love when they realize they are good at a specific skill and can then show others how to do it.    

Q  Can you share a favorite memory since you’ve been teaching?
A  Each year there are new memories to add to the list.  They always tell you to write them down, and I guess I should start because it would probably be an awesome book, but I have enjoyed each one of my classes and have great memories of the students in them.  I loved that my class won the top 4th grade class for AR last year!  I love to read and I’m so glad that they enjoyed it too! 

Stacy enjoys reading for fun when she has time.  She also enjoys doing craft projects, and going places with her husband.