The first Tuesday of May is National Teacher Day, a time to honor the people who have made lasting impressions and contributions in the hearts and minds of us all. Charm sat down with two extraordinary women who shared with us their joys of being in the classroom.
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Jo Beth Reeves has been enjoying her work with children for 28 years.
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Toni Templeton's creative teaching styles inspire her middle school students.
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JO BETH REEVES
She began teaching 28 years ago, and to this day Jo Beth Reeves, 56, of Kilgore gets excited when she sees the light bulb turn on.
"I really enjoy teaching young children because it seems like every day another light bulb comes on above their little heads and you can tell they get a new concept," she said. "That will never get old to me."
For 25 years this wife and mother of two, Jennifer, 28, and Stephen, who passed away in 2005, taught kindergarten at Kilgore Heights. For the past three years she's turned her attention toward Head Start, a federally funded school program for 3 and 4 year olds that prepares them for kindergarten.
"I know that sounds a little crazy — prepping them for kindergarten — but in this day and time they need that in order to excel," Jo Beth said. "Head Start gives them the opportunity for free exploration. They need time to explore before learning new concepts."
School days
Jo Beth's favorite time of year is the fall, and not just because of the crisp, cool weather.
"I feel it in the air — it's an excitement that's only felt in the fall. School's starting," she said. "To me, fall smells of new books and fresh boxes of Binney & Smith crayons. I could recognize Binney & Smith just as easily as freshly popped popcorn."
Once she's in the classroom, she remembers the woman that impacted her the most in grade school and aspires to lead her class in the manner that she so admires.
"My favorite instructor was my 7th grade language arts teacher. She was always very positive and organized," Jo Beth said. "As a young girl, that really appealed to me. We always knew what was expected of us, and I think when children know you have expectations and can tell you have a vested interest in them they'll work to make you proud. I'm always so proud of them."
The little things
For years Jo Beth has gone above and beyond her duties as a teacher. Sure, she does what's necessary to prepare them for later years in education, but it's the little extra things she brings to the students that give her added joy.
"Many of my students don't have reading material for their age at home," she said. "I believe it's important to have books placed in their possession at all times. So, throughout the year I emphasize the importance of reading by giving them little books to take home with them and hopefully treasure in years to come."
She knows that everyday with each child is precious, and she strives to impact their lives as best she can.
"No one is guaranteed tomorrow, so I ask myself almost daily, 'How will I make a strong impression on this or that child today?' " she said. "Kids are very impressionable, and my goal is to let them know just how special they are."
TONI TEMPLETON
When Toni Templeton, 45, of Longview graduated with her master's degree in business administration, a full-time teaching position wasn't the first thing on her mind. However, every time she turned around it seemed like she was doing something with children. She worked at summer camps and even owned a children's clothing store for some time.
"I just decided one day that teaching was it for me," said Toni, a wife and mother of three. "I've always loved to read and write, so about eight years ago I accepted my first full-time position as a language arts teacher at Forest Park Middle School."
Art of learning
Growing up, Toni was surrounded by books. Her mother's love for literature spilled over to young Toni who read anything she could get her hands on, and she looked forward to visiting her aunt in New Orleans who always had tons of books just waiting for Toni to take home with her.
"Every time I'd go visit her, she had brown sacks full of books for me," Toni said. "I'd bring her some of my books, and we'd trade. Reading's always been a huge part of my life, and I try to bring that to the classroom."
Through group discussions and class projects, Toni encourages her students to share with one another how they are affected by a novel or character's situation.
"People are less critical of one another when they're face to face," she said. "Emotionally, middle school is a tough time, and these kids need to learn to respect one another. I try to help that along by allowing them to work together and feed off of each other in discussion groups."
Toni is also there for them with love and support, and she feels that her duty expands beyond teaching them the elements of novels or the outlines of essays — she's there for them on a personal level as well.
"These are my babies. At this age they just really need you not just as a teacher, but as a counselor, a friend and even a mommy," Toni said. "They still come to be with bumps and bruises needing to be healed, and I give them the love and understanding that they're needing."
Personal life
Outside of her classroom, Toni carries her passion for literature with her in the form of two book clubs. One club she started nine years ago among her friends; the other, she started not long after that with her children at home.
"My book club with my friends is called Sisters Sipping Tea and it's something I'm very proud of," Toni said. "Once a month we get together to discuss a book we've been reading, and we've even had several authors come chat with us."
Her other real thrill is to see her own children, Clementine, 19, Melvin III, 16, and Chelsey, 8, latch on to literature as she did as a young girl.
"My children saw that Mom had a book club, and they loved the idea, so now we have an at-home book club," Toni said. "They love to read, so our reading time is very special to me. Reading can take you so many places you can't go physically, so I encourage that — both inside and outside my classroom."
