Read Our Employee Interview
Juvenile Justice Spotlight
Sarah Staples-Farmer
High School English Teacher
Agency: Lincoln East High School — One of Eight Primary Schools of 2000+ Students
Office Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
1. What led you into the education field?
“I was originally an English major and first wanted to be a professor. I earned my Master’s degree in 1991, and was applying to graduate programs when my father suggested I apply to private boarding schools out East to see if I could get a job and earn a salary. I did, which put the PhD on hold, but I did eventually earn my PhD in Education in 2014.
I was originally hired by the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA, a K-12 school for economically disadvantaged youth. I taught there for 10 years and really became 'sold' on high school culture. Kids came from all over the country but mostly from the Mid-Atlantic area. It was also a great experience because I had the opportunity to work alongside my husband, Randy, at the school. I’ve never left secondary education since that time.
I do serve as an adjunct for the local university, so I suppose I have the best of both worlds.”
2. Tell us a part of your job that really excites you.
“When I see students figure it out--whatever 'it' is--something we learned in class--how to write a paper, something we said or even read--that moment when they see connections or understand. Even after high school, and beyond, to hear them tell me that they 'get it' gets me going because I see instruction that 'sticks' and because of 'it,' they’re able to advance and grow.”
3. What topic would you love to get more training on to help you in your job or with higher career aspirations?
“One thing I’d like to do is continue advancing my skills as an education researcher. I’m collaborating with some professors at the University (of Nebraska) on a grant to work on a transition program for youth who are coming from an expelled program/youth facility back to our community schools.“
4. Who were your mentor(s) in the field? What is something that they taught you that you've carried with you throughout your career?
“First and always, I have to give credit to Randy (my husband). I had no experience as a teacher and he helped me understand so much, including strategies and making the classroom, ‘work’. Today, we’ve been married for 32 years. We are still in education. He’s been my greatest mentor/confidant throughout my career.
Also, Dr. Loukia Sarroub – doctoral advisor at the University of Nebraska. She pushed me into uncomfortable situations to help me advance my research skills and confidence. She is involved in the same grant proposal project I mentioned earlier and has been in constant support of me for the past 10 years. I love that our relationship did not end with my graduation but has since expanded.”
5. If you could give advice to someone just starting out in the teaching field, what would it be?
“Teachers have to take time away from the content to make connections with the students. We have to take time to build the community in the classroom. I’ve found the usage of multiple strategies to be effective--and while I used to think I was wasting instructional time--I realized the payoffs were long term and worth any cost in content. I get to know the students and let them know me. Once established, our trust and relationship are something that should continue to grow throughout the school year. There’s so much research written about what a great approach this is to helping students feel safe and be successful.”
6. What has been one of the memorable experiences for you since you began working with your high school kids?
“I was a cheerleading coach, and we won six championships. I was brought in at a time when there were some local scandals so to help turn around the program was very rewarding--for the girls on the team as well. Also, when seniors come and tell me things like, ‘I got into this school,” or ‘I got a scholarship’ or ‘I won this internship’ I love celebrating with them. There are so many pieces that sustain us.
Plus, the memories of every phone call that offered me a new teaching position--all the times that different schools hired me because it reinforces the value I can bring. Who doesn’t want to feel valued or remember those moments?”
7. If you could give words of wisdom to a student who you see going down the wrong path with his/her decisions, what would they be?
“First of all, understand that you’re not alone. There’s always somebody to talk to. Life’s not a straight line. Whatever you’re going through now, you will get through it and be stronger on the other side. Sounds cliche, but living enough life teaches us this truth. Sophomore students in particular have a lot of trouble with this – they’re not motivated – there’s always stuff they’re not telling us--they want to solve life’s problems on their own--and they shouldn’t.
I always want to keep letting that student know that I’m here and to come see me whenever they want to talk. It could be me or other teachers in the building.
One student said to me once, ‘I will make mistakes, I know I am not perfect, but I need lots of chances so please never give up on me’. I’ve never forgotten those words. I carry them with me daily. So, I let every student of mine know that they have inexhaustible chances to succeed in my classroom. I want to give them hope.”
8. What concerns do you have about the current state of education?
“I’m concerned that we have lowered our expectations post-pandemic. We need to raise that bar back up. Education is on attack from vouchers, charter schools, and religion. Resources will be reduced because of the spreading out of resources by the state--and budget cuts. I’m concerned about losing good teachers for these and other reasons.
The curricula are more scripted and less project-based today. We’re not teaching kids to be critical learners because of some national groups who are rewriting history, burning books, hoping to standardize and white-wash what we teach. We cannot inspire culturally proficient and social justice minded youth if we make learning generic and ‘untrue’.”
9. What major contribution do you feel you have made as a teacher?
“I’ve turned out all these amazing young writers over 32 years. Kids who’ve been writers on Broadway. Students who are investigative reporters, lawyers, artists, and who were even part of the White House senior staff. Like other teachers, I’ve been able to turn out kids who (I hope) make the world a better place. I have pictures in my classroom of some of my kids who’ve made it big, and I'll refer to them so my current students can be inspired by their stories. Public school prepares students to be engaged, intellectual citizens in a thoughtful democracy…and I’ve been a part of that process.”
10. What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?
“I’m a gym rat. I teach boot camps at the gym and am there 5-6 days per week. I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I love being outdoors, hiking, and taking in the beauty all around me. If I can be where it’s silent and open and wide and colorful, then I’m happy.”