This school year will be challenging, but new LH teachers are ready
Classes begin Wednesday in Richardson ISD, and this school year is destined to be full of unique challenges for students, parents and teachers alike. All students will learn virtually at first, and kids who chose in-person instruction will show up on campus Sept. 8. Despite the fits and starts, one group is especially enthusiastic about kicking off the first day – new teachers.
Lake Highlands Advocate spoke to educators and staff members – some new to teaching, some switching to new grade levels and some moving to new schools in the Lake Highlands feeder pattern. If you thought a worldwide health disaster could keep these dedicated professionals from pouring themselves into “their kids,” you just lost a bet.
Lucy Castellano will teach at Stults Road and Northlake Elementary after teaching 3rd and 4th graders at Wallace. She’s an 11-year education veteran so dedicated to Lake Highlands students she drives an hour each day from her home in Crandall, Texas.
“After working here for the past 3 years, both my son and I have fallen in love with RISD,” says Castellano. “I am choosing to change from a bilingual classroom teacher to joining the Advanced Academics Department mainly because I saw a need for bilingual teachers in the advanced programs, but also because my son has been a part of the REACH courses since kindergarten. I have seen how these courses have truly instilled in him a love for learning, growing and becoming a leader.”
With Hispanic students now comprising about 38% of the district, Castellano says her background equips her to bond with students in helpful ways.
“Having grown up in one of Texas’ poorest counties and experiencing poverty first hand, as well as growing up as a minority,” explains Castellano, “I feel that I am able to really understand and connect with many of my students who may be experiencing similar difficulties. I also feel like I give students hope that they can do something about their situation by taking advantage of their education and fighting to become who they want to be in this world.”
Castellano admits she is a little nervous about starting school during such a crazy time but says she – and the district – have a game plan.
“RISD trains us to be the best teachers we can be, and the building does not define the education,” says Castellano. “My plan is to really work on making students feel confident that they are not ‘missing’ out on anything and making their experience a great one, no matter how they are accessing their learning. I also plan to start the year off by teaching the word ‘flexibility’ and showing students the benefit of being flexible at times like these and working hard no matter the situation.”
Laney Norris doesn’t have Castellano’s experience, but she’s just as committed to fostering growth – and lasting memories – in her new students at Wallace Elementary. The Lake Highlands High School graduate collected her degree from Texas A&M in the spring and hightailed it home to teach sixth grade language arts and social studies.
“I chose to come back to RISD because I want to pour back into the district that shaped me,” said Norris. “I’m excited about joining the Wallace family and meeting my students.”
In some ways, being a new teacher in 2020 puts Norris on level footing with teachers twice her age. She’s never taught during a raging pandemic, but neither, really, has anyone else.
“This is going to be so different from the beginning of any other school year,” Norris says, “so I plan to start the first few days getting to know my students and easing their minds with the fact that we are all going through this together. I know it is scary with so many unknowns, but I know we will grow and come out of this stronger.”
Tommy Lamberth has a distinguished pedigree in RISD. His younger sister, Maggie Taylor, teaches at Wallace, and his older sister, Becky Stevens, is principal at White Rock Elementary. All three graduated from LHHS. Tommy’s first job was teaching at Lake Highlands Freshman Center, and he later served as soccer coach at J.J. Pearce High School. He begins this year as assistant principal of his alma mater.
“The good thing is I still know lots of teachers and staff at LHHS,” says Lamberth. “They remember my family and my name, so I’m not a completely new face. I feel comfortable that I can come in and support them and be empathetic.”
As an administrator, Lamberth is in a unique position to care for, not just students, but teachers as well. COVID-19 presents a particular challenge.
“I’m nervous for my own children and my mother and sisters, so I have similar feelings that others are worried about,” Lamberth says. “People say they are worried about the health of their spouses and their parents. I say, ‘me too.’ But whatever we do, it’s going to be quality. We’re going to include pieces that include social/emotional learning. Our focus is going to be meeting all the needs of all the students.”
Lamberth has high praise for RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone and LHHS Principal Kerri Jones and for their commitment to planning during times of uncertainty. He also has a message for Wildcat parents.
“We have your student’s best interest in our hearts and our minds. That’s our priority. That’s why we do this. We’re not here for giant paychecks. We have some brilliant minds in this school, and they chose to be educators. COVID gave us a lot of lemons. Our staff is bringing the sugar, and we’re going to make some lemonade. Someday, we’ll all look back on this and reflect. We’re going to create something worthwhile for everyone involved.”
