NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month is Haven Elementary second grade teacher Sharla Warren. For Warren, it's all about the kids, she thinks the biggest thing they learn isn't reading or writing, it's compassion.
"They learn how to be a friend to everyone, how to be accepting," Warren said. "I think that's a life skill that they can carry on forever."
Warren knows a lot about that skill because she started her career as a paraeducator and then ran an after school literacy program before becoming a certified teacher. Warren encourages mid-career professionals who love kids to take the leap.
"Go back to school," Warren said. "It's worth it. I went to Friends University. Friends has a wonderful adult program. I would suggest them to anyone. It's never too late, is what I would say. If it's a calling and you believe in your heart this is what you should do, then it's never too late to do it."
School hasn't been normal for these second graders any year, including this one, but Warren believes they'll get where they need to go.
"The more that we get them exposed and we get them in school, it's not normal," Warren said. "We, as teachers know it's not normal. We just have to love our kids through it and show them that we have to be in school, that's so important, learning the skills and the things that they need to become successful adults. We're all going to do this together. We can't do it without each other."
That's why compassion is so key, because building character is what will help close some of the learning gaps that the pandemic created as they go forward.