Who/what inspired you to enter into the education field?
I had several teachers that had a huge impact on my life growing up. They showed me that they cared not only about my education, but also about me outside of the classroom. That inspired me to want to be a teacher so that I can be that to my students.
Tell us about your family? (children, pets, etc)
I am married to Rick, a retired Lexington fireman. We have 4 children DJ (29), twins Madison and Dylan (22), and Camron (19). We have 2 grandchildren, Gracie (11) and Marshall (2). We live on a sheep farm in Northern Pulaski County. We currently have about 90 sheep, 22 peacocks, and 7 dogs.
What is your Teacher Leader Mission? YOUR WHY in the classroom? How do you #LeadTheCHARGE daily?
My mission is to help students learn, grow, and let them know they are loved. I try to greet my students every morning and tell them to have a wonderful evening when they leave my classroom. I want them to see that I am not just their teacher but also an adult in their lives that is there for them, to help them learn AND to be a sense of security to them in this ever changing world.
What is one attribute of leadership that you think is critical to possess as a Teacher Leader? Why?
I think it is important for Teacher Leaders to show encouragement and understanding. Not just with their students but also colleagues. We all need someone to be our “cheerleader” sometimes. It is so easy to get caught up in the stress of our jobs and as teachers we need to lift each other up. I think it is important to do that for your students also. Sometimes we may the only encouraging words these kids get!
What are ways that you engage families as part of the learning in your classroom/school?
Parent communication is critical. I send home weekly newsletters to make sure parents know what is going on in the classroom. I also use the remind app to send pictures to parents of their child engaging in learning throughout some of the school days. I think it is important for them to know what is going on with their child at school. Usually when you ask what did you do today? or what did you learn today? They say “Nothing” Well I like to send messages and pictures so they can see exactly exciting moments during their school day.
What “fingerprint” or lasting impression do you want to leave at your school or on your students?
When my students look back at their days being in 2nd grade, I want them to be able to say, My teacher was Mrs. Loveless. She really cared about me. I am the teacher that goes to basketball games, football games, soccer games, cheer competitions, plays, and anything else they ask me to come watch. I want my students as well as others to see that when a teacher clocks out at 3:30 she doesn’t stop being there for her students. I always tell them that they are MY KIDS. I run into students that are adults and have successful careers, some even teachers in my own building and that is one thing they can say that they are “still” one of my kids.
How do you maximize the strengths of those around you?
As I said before, I am a cheerleader. I think it is important to try to help others see their potential especially when they can’t see it.
What do you like most about teaching?
I love the reward you feel when you see that a student has learned something. I love getting a hug or a thank you for helping them understand something. I just love being a part of the one job that helps get all students started down a good path in their life.
