A lasting impression: The love of education through three generations

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Every once in a while you meet a teacher who alters the entire trajectory of your life in the most profound way. Sometimes, these teachers leave such a lasting impression on the hearts of those they teach that the students themselves aspire to become that same positive influence for future generations. For Dena Walden and Devin Coxwell, this inspiring figure was their own mother, Pam Baggett, an Emanuel County Institute teacher for 30 years. This educator knows that a great teacher is not only remembered for the knowledge they impart, but also for the way they encourage their students achievements; not just in a subject, but also in the important skills of living a fulfilling life. “I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, more specifically a Special Education teacher. I have always loved working with all the children but my heart is with those who need a little something ‘extra’, whether it’s a different method of teaching, a warm smile, a kind word, or sometimes a firm hand. I pray that I left a good impression on my students. I believe in the quote ‘they may forget what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel’.” Pam understands that to be a good teacher you have to see your students as individuals who are struggling and even sometimes suffering. The classroom may be their only safe haven, or true place to call to home. “I always try to show love and compassion to my students. The classroom might be the only place they feel this. The fact that I have students that I taught 30 years ago who still stay in touch or reach out, leads me to believe that maybe I did something right.” Something "right she did", was being a strong and positive influence in the lives of many but most importantly, the lives of her two daughters, Dena and Devin, both of whom pursued the same profession as their mother. Because of the undeniable impact they witnessed her make as an educator and the constant spark that she held for the students she helped. “I have never wanted to do anything else." Pam's oldest daughter Dena said, " I saw what an awesome impact my Mama had on her students as I grew up watching her in her classroom, and I knew that I always wanted to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in at least one student's life.” Dena has dedicated 16 years of her life to educating the children within our community. She began her career teaching fourth grade students at Swainsboro Elementary for the first five years of her employment with Emanuel County Schools. She then transferred to Twin City Elementary where she instructed third grade classes for 10 years before taking on a new role this year, as an instructional coach at Emanuel County Institute. Most veteran educators would agree that to be effective in the classroom, in the deepest sense, you must have a sense of patience and understanding. That very important skill in teaching can only be acquired through love, and that comes naturally to Dena. ”I have always believed that each child deserves to know that somebody loves them and has their back, and I have always tried to do that. It's important that they feel they have an advocate. I once heard a TED talk given by a former educator who very bluntly said, "Students won't work for somebody who they feel doesn't like them." It's so true. What you pour into a student, will most likely be reciprocated good or bad.” Inspiring students is essential to ensuring their success and encouraging them to fulfill their potential. Students who are inspired by their teachers can accomplish amazing things, and that motivation almost always resonates with them. Pam’s youngest daughter and Dena’s sister, Devin, truly embodies this. Knowing that the only way to become an influence in a student’s life is by embracing them as they are through the art of compassion and stepping into the students shoes to see the curriculum from their point of view. “Growing up I had teachers that left negative impressions on my life and their dismissive words still resound with me to this day. Thankfully there were also many teachers who made a positive impression on my life which made learning fun. I always told myself that if I were to become a teacher, I would want to be THAT TEACHER.” Devin is flourishing in her first year as an educator at Swainsboro Primary School, the same exact school where her older sister, Dena, began her career path. It isn’t very common for students or even children of teachers, to walk into their homeroom with excitement in their hearts, an overwhelming urge to learn, and curiosity in their eyes. But a good teacher knows that patience and compassion is key. Anyone can teach basic skills, but to truly make a difference in a student’s life, there has to be love. Devin hopes that her students will remember that feeling about her. “I am 33 and still remember how certain teachers treated me in certain situations. One in particular stands out where a teacher called me up in front of the class and embarrassed me. To this day I will not raise my hand to answer a question in a large group because of that. I hope to be the teacher that will always be remembered…whether they remember me for something fun they learned or did in first grade or remember me for how I made them feel, and I hope that they always feel like they were loved and could be anything they wanted to be.” Dena and Devin’s mother, Pam, who has been their inspiration throughout this journey and a role model to numerous, inquisitive minds, plans to retire next year after 31 years of teaching. Marking off another check in history for the three’s incredible accomplishments.

Now that you’ve met the teachers and heard their stories, read their Q/A’s to further understand their values of teaching and how they differ amongst one another.

What do you find most rewarding in your career?

Pam: There are so many things that this career has rewarded me with, from watching former students move on and become productive citizens... to meeting co-workers who have become family, and of course raising two incredible daughters who have followed in my footsteps and seeing my grandchildren in school every day.

Dena: The most rewarding thing in my career is when I come into contact with former students, and they tell me that they are glad I was once their teacher. For them to tell me that what I said or did meant something to them means something to me.

Devin: Seeing the growth my students have made…. When I MAP (growth test) tested for the 2nd time this year to see where each student was mid-year compared to beginning of the year and realized the progress that they had made, I actually cried. Knowing that what I’m doing and the way that I approach teaching with my students is working, is proof that learning can be fun. The most rewarding of all is how happy my students are walking in my door. I love that they love coming to school and when they assure me by saying, “We love you Ms. Devin… you make school fun!”

Do you feel that your students have left a lasting impression on you?

Pam: There is no doubt about that. Each and every student I taught left an impression upon my life. I am blessed to be able to watch their children now come through school so that I can share stories about their parents with this second generation of students. There are so many good memories of former students. Even while teaching alternative school, I so enjoyed getting to know the students and listening to each and every one of them. There was never a dull moment.

Dena: Beyond the shadow of a doubt. I have had some students whose words or actions have stuck with me whether they realize it or not. I have seen one of my first year students overcome physical odds and obtain his master’s degree and be quite a leader in his profession and his personal walk with Christ. I have had classes that were filled with some of the most amazing kids that I have ever had the honor of knowing. They inspired me to be the best teacher that I could possibly be. However, I would be remiss if I left out the fact that there have been some challenging students along the way that almost made me rethink my career path, but in the long run they pushed me to love the ones that seem to be the most unlovable because they're the ones who need love the most.

Devin: Absolutely. There will be a kid or 2…or 3 each year that will test me or teach me. I believe each student is placed in my room for a reason. God knows. They need me or I need them.

What is most challenging in your line of the teaching profession?

Pam: By far, the most challenging part of teaching special education is the paperwork that is required! This is the most daunting part of this profession – I see teachers struggling daily to keep up with the loads of paperwork while they strive to teach the objectives that the students need to learn.

Dena: I am sure that most would probably think that the answer would be students, but that's not it at all. The most challenging thing in this profession is the decision makers who are responsible for the policies that trickle down to our teachers and prevent them from teaching and reaching students the way that it should be done. Nobody ever said, "Wow! That was the most amazing, politically correct, standards based class I have ever seen!" Kids remember the relationships built by educators who believed in them not the latest educational laws passed by the very people who've never stepped foot inside of a public school classroom or most importantly taught in one either.

Devin: The amount of material we are required to pour into these kids…. It’s so much. It’s overwhelming for me to teach as an adult, so I can’t imagine being a child who is expected to learn it all in a certain amount of time. And seeing the impact Covid has had.

What advice can you give to new or upcoming educators?

Pam: The best advice that I can give to a new or upcoming teacher is to BE THE TEACHER YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE! If you don’t love kids, find another profession. Develop relationships with your students and their families. Show your students some love!! Students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care! You can teach a child so much more if you teach from the heart, not from the book. Strive to be a blessing to someone every single day. MAKE PRAYER AND JESUS A PART OF YOUR DAILY LIFE. IT WORKS AND YOU WILL NEED IT!

Dena: C'mon!!!! We need you!!!! If you truly want to do this job and be in this profession, you won't let the naysayers keep you away!! The future is yours, and we need dedicated, loving, and passionate teachers!!!

Devin: Be compassionate. Be kind. Don’t become a teacher because you want to make good money. Don’t become a teacher because you want holidays and summers off. Don’t become a teacher because it has good hours (you will rarely leave at 3:30 and probably work from home on the weekends.) Become a teacher because you want to make a difference.