Together We Can

A wonderful educator and mentor of mine was honored at a retirement celebration today. The curriculum facilitator (aka "Assistant Principal") at Hunter Elementary, Sue Mercier, is calling it quits after 38 years with Guilford County Schools, 13 spent at Hunter.

I first met Sue as a nervous, wide-eyed junior intern. She was intimidating. Larger than life.

But over my next 5 years at Hunter (2 as an intern, 3 as a teacher), Sue had an incredible impact and influence on me. She provided me with the knowledge I needed to grow as a teacher. She was always there to offer encouragement (and, boy, it was needed during that first year or two) and constructive criticism when necessary. She helped mold me into a confident teacher.

I've missed being around Sue and working with her this year. Her presence at school always served as a security blanket.

But I think her influence on me made my job transition easier. New tasks and circumstances arose this year and I rolled with the punches. I have no doubt that she played an integral role in helping me secure a job teaching kindergarten next year.

Sure, she didn't type up the resume (actually, she helped me with that last year), nor did she write the letter of interest (she actually helped with parts of that last year, too). She wasn't answering interview questions for me either. But everything she's taught me over the years, the knowledge and confidence she helped equip me with, were present.

She will be missed at Hunter Elementary.

She told me to give her a call any time. Even if I am all the way in Ohio.

Only now, she charges a consultation fee.