By Lisa Carolin
Heather Myers and Lindsey Trevisan are both in their third year of teaching third grade at South Meadows Elementary School. They’ve created what they call “a great working relationship” and collaborate ideas daily.
“Heather and Lindsey are teachers that I, as a parent, would not for a moment hesitate to put my child in one of their classrooms,” said Stacie Battaglia, principal of South Meadows. “Lindsey and Heather actually work very closely together; they do not team teach or share students but they do the majority of their curriculum planning together and use one another as a sounding board and supporter.”
“Having a partnership creates a support system that we feel is necessary for teaching,” said Trevisan. “Consistently working together has led to a more successful teaching experience. We consider our students our family. Being at South allows us to continue the relationships that we’ve formed as we watch them grow before heading to middle school.”
Every day, Myers and Trevisan share stories about students. They both enjoy working at South Meadows, especially teaching third grade.
“I was excited to return back to South Meadows because this is where I originally started when I completed my student teaching with Tomi Dres,” said Myers. “I’ve been lucky enough to work in all of the elementary buildings at many different grade levels but love third grade.”
“I actually completed my student teaching here at the fifth grade level with Mrs. Linde and instantly fell in love with the school,” said Trevisan. “I was a substitute teacher for the next two years and then I learned of a third grade position opening up. One of the greatest feelings I’ve ever experienced was receiving the phone call that I got the job.”
Both teachers say their goals are to continue to make learning a meaningful experience for students.
“Our biggest challenge is finding the best way for students to learn when their interests and abilities vary,” said Trevisan. “Currently, we are piloting assessment literacy for our building. It allows students to take a more proactive approach in their learning and have a clear view of the instructional goals.”
They agree that balancing time is also a significant challenge because making these sorts of changes is neither fast nor easy.
Battaglia praises the passion for the job she sees from both Myers and Trevisan.
“Heather has life experience that I think allows her to really see situations from the best perspective,” said Battaglia. “You would be hard-pressed to find another teacher who cares about each and every one of her students and wants the very best, socially, emotionally and academically for every single one of them.”
“Lindsey sets very high expectations for her third graders but she has a sweetness and kindness that the kids are drawn to, and I think this combination makes her classroom an amazing environment.”
Both Myers and Trevisan grew up in Michigan and are raising families.
“My husband and I were blessed with our daughter Sophia during the summer,” said Trevisan, who adds that she is currently taking courses toward earning a Master’s Degree.
Myers’ children are older.
“My youngest left for college this fall leaving me with an empty nest,” she said.
