Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

A note on the area's experienced teachers

Oct. 5 was World Teacher Recognition Day and Nevada County has its share of excellent teachers. A sampling of the countys schools yields a number of teachers with more than two decades experience in the education field. A few of those agreed to share their thoughts.

Linda Graham, kindergarten teacher at Prescott Elementary School, is currently in her 31st year as an educator. She taught one year in Mena and has been at Prescott ever since. Graham said she always liked to share knowledge with others and never thought of doing anything else.

The best thing about teaching, according to Graham, is that moment when all the hard work pays off and her students are able to put together sounds to make words, then words to make sentences.

Teaching them to read, she said. Thats the best.

Graham says her current class has worked hard so far and that shes expecting great things from them.

The worst, according to Graham, is the need for discipline.

Ann Franks is the librarian at McRae Middle School. Shes been in education 23 years, with 22 of them in Prescott. Franks said she sees teachers as making an investment in the future.

I love the kids and I love to see them grow, she said. The best thing is when you see the kids excel and you know youre a part of it.

Franks said seeing those students who didnt really like to read suddenly develop a love for reading is a reward.

The worst, according to Franks, is the frustration that happens when a teacher cant figure out how to reach a child.

Diane Davis is in her 20th year as a kindergarten teacher at Emmet. Davis said shes always taught kindergarten.

Ive always known Id teach, she said. I love kids and I felt I had something to offer.

With the youngsters in her classes, there are more positives than negatives, Davis said.

The best thing is watching the children learn, the expression on their faces, and knowing I made a difference.

The worst, according to Davis, is that discipline is sometimes required.

Sue Phillips has been teaching 22 years and said her reason for choosing education was simple.

I wanted to make a different in kids lives.

Phillips currently teaches sixth grade but has taught first, second and third. She said theyre all good.

The best thing, according to Phillips, is that moment with the lightbulb comes on when they finally grasp an idea.

The worst, according to Phillips, is that teachers put in many more hours than the daily hours in a classroom. The time required for preparation, grading and other aspects of teaching means teachers put in long hours.

Glyndon Franklin teaches a series of math classes at Nevada High School, including algebra I and II, geometry and pre-calculus. Franklin is in his 45th year of teaching and previously taught at Cale before that districts consolidation.

Franklin said the best thing about teaching is when a student makes that important step to understanding a concept.

The worst, according to Franklin, is just the opposite.

Its having to struggle with a student who doesnt make improvement as fast as you want, he said.

Gail Reddin is the Prescott High School librarian and is currently in her 37th year in education. Reddin is a former Prescott student herself and said she has also worked as a fourth grade classroom teacher.

The best thing?

They keep you young and on your toes, she said.

The worst?

They just take so much energy.