What It’s Like to Teach Side by Side with a Former Student?

·23 min·2 clips

Soraya Schmelter applied to teach at Rose Creek Elementary specifically because her kindergarten teacher, Becca Chandler, worked there.

The episode opens with Superintendent Anthony Godfrey introducing the theme of teacher-student reunions at Rose Creek Elementary. He first interviews Rebecca Chandler and Soraya Schmelter, who reveal that Soraya was in Becca's kindergarten class in 2006-7. Soraya explains she sought out a teaching position at Rose Creek after seeing Becca listed on the school website, hoping for her mentorship. Becca recalls not recognizing Soraya initially but immediately remembered her and her sister Nicole upon hearing her name. They discuss the awkwardness of Soraya transitioning from calling her 'Ms. Chandler' to 'Becca,' with Soraya's mom finding it confusing. Soraya describes learning classroom management, routines, and empathy from Becca, while Becca praises Soraya as an exceptional first-year teacher. Becca shares her 14-year teaching career, including a six-year break, and both express love for kindergarten's transformative growth. Later, Godfrey interviews Stacy Marshall and Riley Butterfield. Riley was in Stacy's kindergarten class in 2002 and now teaches first grade at the same school. They didn't realize their connection until Riley's mom recognized Stacy, leading Stacy to check yearbooks for confirmation. Stacy, in her 24th year of teaching, had a prior 11-year career in law enforcement, specifically in crimes against children, which she says fueled her desire to teach. Riley notes that Stacy's organized, loving classroom environment inspired her to become a teacher. Both pairs emphasize the joy of seeing student progress, the importance of routines, and the rewarding nature of teaching. The episode concludes with Godfrey thanking the teachers and promoting job openings in Jordan School District.

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