Amy Squires
A Lifelong Love Of Learning
story by K.J. NALLY photo by PAUL NURNBERG
Almost every person waking in our beloved town has spent a decade or more of his or her life in a classroom, learning. Each one of us has been impacted, positively or negatively, from our school experiences. Whether we understand or not, the degree to which the lessons, classroom to cafeteria or peers to playground, have helped shape who we are as individuals.
Teachers often spend their lives without proper recognition for the hours (and after-hours) of care they give to planning lessons, corresponding with parents, further education training, and enriching children’s lives for their future in and out of the classroom. What a joy to feature Mossy Oaks Elementary Teacher of the Year, Amy Squires, honoring her 25 years of teaching, as she has impacted hundreds of Beaufort’s own with a lifelong love of learning.
Where did you grow up and attend school?
Amy: Here in Beaufort! Even as a three-year-old I couldn’t wait to attend school. My mom said I stood outside watching the school bus come and go every day! So, she signed me up for preschool at our church, Baptist Church of Beaufort. I still remember my teacher, Mrs. Sue Burns and her awesome high heels! I then attended Shell Point Elementary School from K-3rd, Broad River Elementary School 4-6, Beaufort Jr. High School 7, Robert Smalls Jr. High 8-9, and Battery Creek High School 10-12. I even got my bachelor’s degree for Early Childhood Elementary at USC-Beaufort.
Later, I earned my Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina, and eventually my National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist.
Why did you become a teacher?
Amy: Some teachers are what I call a natural, they were born to teach. I was born to teach. My mother and grandmother were teachers and I thankfully followed their example. Honestly, I don’t have one experience or person that helped me to make my career decision. I truly just never imagined NOT being a teacher. As a little girl, my family said I only talked about four things: family, gymnastics, reading, and Jesus. I was a simple girl. I didn’t get into much trouble. I cartwheeled and read my way through my young life. I was not particularly skilled at a certain subject, but I was a teacher no matter what I was doing…or maybe, as my sister would say, I was just bossy!
What do you love about teaching?
Amy: Focusing and concentrating on the needs of children in the early childhood setting. I watch their wonder, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. I am responsible for teaching them about their basic cognitive readiness skills through movement, visual and performing art and music. We dance and sing and act out silly stories together.
My assistant, Mrs. Theresa McMullen, and I have a contagious love for learning and keep up the energy. We both enjoy teaching our students cheerfulness, patience, compassion, love and sharing. Each day is truly a new adventure with many chapters of learning.
Advice you would give a new teacher.
Amy: Even though I was believed I was born to teach, my balloon about teaching popped fast that first year. I got my heart broken by a little six-year-old boy who had gotten on his bus to go home mad at me. I completely mixed up the minute hand and hour hand while being observed as I taught a lesson on telling time. I had dirt thrown on my back by a little girl every single day as we walked in from recess. I found out that same little girl was locked in a closet overnight every time I called her mom to talk to her about her behavior. I had a transfer student who called everyone in the classroom, including me, horrible names with cursing. A student in another class fell and broke his arm in two places when I was on recess duty. The list goes on…I had a lot to learn. I’m not sure when the novice teacher became the veteran…I still have a lot to learn and feel like your “run-of-the-mill” kindergarten teacher, but my 25 years of teaching would encourage the new teacher.
Remember you are there because you want to help children learn, not because it is simply a job.
Children’s physical needs must be met before any positive learning experience will happen.
Having fun while teaching makes everyone’s day better.
Teach classroom rules/routines hard and heavy at the beginning of the year, and the rest of the year will be much smoother.
Incorporate as much play, movement, and multi-sensory activities as possible while teaching standards.
Stay organized and don’t wait until the last minute to plan.
Work with your team instead of doing everything yourself.
Give your family as much time as you do to your classroom.
Balance consistency and flexibility…it’s okay to stop your lesson to read a book to reset the tone of the day.
What is your greatest lesson you’ve learned teaching?
Amy: Most of all, I have learned from the children I have taught how to love unconditionally. Through these children, I have learned about my own beliefs as an early childhood educator. I believe all children will learn at their own rate in their own time. I believe that young children thrive on schedules and routines. I believe that children can have fun while they learn. I believe that standards “stick” more when taught through drama, dance, art and music. I believe that giving a child a positive interaction as soon as they walk through the door can change their outlook and behavior for the rest of the day. I believe that a classroom and school community can be stronger if there is a team of students, teachers, and parents working together. I believe that creating a cheerful and energetic learning environment help children thrive and want to be at school.
The community of teachers, administrators, parents, and students were not surprised Amy received this award, for she has impacted many with her lifelong love of learning.
