There is nothing more important in any community than the education of its young people. And, it is also true that there is nothing more important to any community then getting the very best teachers available in any year.
This year in Big Sandy, there are four new full time teachers and Bridgette Long who is teaching one period of Spanish each school day.
We wish these new teachers well and hope that they find living in Big Sandy is an adventure in good neighbors and dear hearts.
Following are two interviews of these new teachers. Two more interviews will be in "The Mountaineer" next week.
Again we wish them and the school well this year. Good teachers make for a great education and remember we are number six in Montana high schools. How about trying this year for five or four?
Name: Shelbi Darlington
What position are you teaching at what school?
I am the new Intervention and Gifted & Talented Specialist for kindergarten through sixth grade over at F.E. Miley School.
How did you hear about a position being open at Big Sandy?
While I was thinking of places where I'd want to teach, I knew that I wanted to stay in Montana and also be close to my family. As you may or may not know, my dad's family is from Big Sandy (yes, I'm related to the Darlingtons) and my mom's family is from Havre. So I thought why not check out Big Sandy. I saw that there were openings posted on the school website, so I applied, I interviewed, and the rest is history.
Is this your first teaching job? If not where have you been before and what did you teach?
This is my very first teaching job! I got my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University-Bozeman. While there, I student taught in a fourth-grade classroom and had internships in second and first grade. I also spent the previous school-year substitute teaching in the elementary schools in Helena, which is where I grew up!
What is your favorite teaching subject?
My favorite teaching subject is definitely math! It was my favorite subject growing up and it's my favorite still. I love showing students that there is more than one way to think about and solve problems. Math problems can be challenging and confusing, but it's a great feeling when you finally solve them!
What are your first impressions of Big Sandy?
Growing up in Helena, Big Sandy is a lot smaller than what I'm used to, but I'm really liking the quiet, small town life so far. I love how supportive and kind all of the people are here. Living and working in a new place can be a little intimidating, but everyone has made me feel very welcome!
How about your hobbies. What do you do in your spare time?
When I'm not teaching, I like to cook, watch movies, read and do crafts. When it's warm outside, I really enjoy hiking and I'm also learning how to golf. Although, I've been "learning to golf" for a couple of years now.
What is most important for you about education?
To me, the most important thing about education is not so much "what" you are teaching, but "how" you are teaching it. I think it's so important to teach students skills that they can carry with them throughout their life. On top of that, teaching students to be kind, respectful people is something I hope to do.
What about your subject is the most fun for you and for those you are educating?
I love that I am able to work with multiple grade-levels and subject areas. It keeps things interesting! I like that I get to come up with projects and lessons that will challenge each student's individual strengths. The students get to further their understanding in subjects through hands-on activities and experiments and I think they'll like getting to try new things!
Name: My name is Samantha Weaver. I grew up on a farm and attended grade school in Zurich, MT. I am a Chinook High School graduate and I received my teaching degree from MSU-Northern.
What position are you teaching at what school?
I will be teaching Kindergarten.
How did you hear about a position being open at Big Sandy?
My family and I moved to Big Sandy 6 years ago. My husband Brad is from the Big Sandy are. We moved back to Big Sandy to be closer to our families. We have three children Elaina, Kacey and Luke.
Is this your first teaching job? If not where have you been before and what did you teach?
I have been a substitute teacher for the Big Sandy Elementary School for the last six years. I knew that a teaching position was opening and it was a perfect time to start teaching full time again, after taking a six year break to raise my children.
What is your favorite teaching subject?
I have been a teacher for 13 years. My first teaching job was at the Warrick School in the Bear Paws. I then taught at the Ulm Public School and worked there for 6 years teaching Kindergarten and Preschool. Last year, I taught the Little Flock Preschool for the Christ Lutheran Church.
What are your first impressions of Big Sandy?
I love Big Sandy. I grew up in rural Montana and feel very fortunate. Big Sandy is a great community and I am very proud to raise my kids as Big Sandy Pioneers.
How about your hobbies. What do you do in your spare time?
When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family. I like to garden, go hiking, and paint.
What is most important for you about education?
The most important part of being an educator for me, is guiding my students to be successful no matter how big or small the successes may be. It's important to have self confidence in one's self whatever the task may be.
What about your subject is the most fun for you and for those you are educating?
I love teaching Kindergarten. The excitement and eagerness these little people have for learning is thrilling. Watching them grow and learn is really rewarding.
