{Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Eleven of Fifty-Two}

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Week eleven is just a little different, not because of the women in this challenge this week but because with so many amazing women to capture in our wonderful community I know I won’t be able to get to all of them. So this week I am doing two amazing women who have touched my girl’s hearts, who have eased my worries, and who are both inspirational for those they teach. They both are amazing at their jobs, both have the best attitude about life, and both strive to make a difference in children’s lives. Week eleven of fifty-two goes out to Rachel Saunders (Ms. Saunders) and Ashley Bargen (Ms. Bargen), second grade teachers at the Douglas Intermediate School. 

Now we all know as parents especially mothers how hard it is to drop your children off at school on their first day and really not know who their teacher is, how they will do during the day without you, and how hard it is to let some of the control go to those we entrust our children with more than eight hours a day. Yes it is hard! This year was a hard year for us in the beginning as we split our twins up into two different classes, two different teachers, and on top of that a new school. See in our community our grades a split up into grades and different schools. Kindergarten and first grade are together in one school, and then second grade and third grade are together in another school and so on. Moving to a new school and new staff was a huge change. But after a couple weeks we all got into the swing of things again and learned we made a great choice splitting the girls up. We have gotten some amazing teachers through the years and all have been just what our girls needed but this year our girls have grown leaps and bounds. 

My Miss Madison got put in Ms. Saunders class this year and man are we so thankful for her! Ms. Saunders has a way about her that encourages, brings shy kids out of their shell, and her teaching and techniques are fun and exciting. I asked Rachel what made her want to be a teacher and she said “My senior year my sister took me for show in tell. I just loved it, it was so much fun. That is when I knew what I wanted to do.” Rachel went to Colorado State University and has been teaching at DIS for two years. I asked if she will always be teaching second grade or if change would be good. “I don’t see myself settling, and maybe someday I will try something new. But for now I am happy where I am. Second grade has been amazing and the children are the best.” Rachel says.  

My Miss Allison got put in Ms. Bargen’s class and she has been the perfect match for Alli. Not only can she read her when she is having an off day, but she can also slow her down and has taught her that being a leader is a good thing but to also look outside the box and be more respectful to others. I have learned that even though my girls are twins they are two very different children and this change has been so important for their education but also for their social skills.  I asked Ashley what made her want to become a teacher and Ashley said “I didn’t always want to be a teacher. I explored the medical field first. I was looking into becoming an OBGYN but there is a large amount of schooling and I didn’t really want to be in school forever.” We laughed because now she is in school every day just as the teacher instead of the student. “I love children’s drive to learn and fell in love with it.” Ashley said. Ashley went to college at Chadron State Collage and has been teaching at DIS for 3 years now. I asked Ashley if second grade was the only grade she would like to teach and she said “I would go up in grade and would not be opposed to it, but I love where I am and love the people I am working with right now it is where I want to be.” 

I love all the teachers and have gotten to know several amazing ones in the last few years. I found this quote when I was working on this week’s blog and thought wow how true is this. “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.”

Ashley and Rachel are energetic, positive, fun, goofy, and you can see the love they have for their jobs and the kids I have watched them teach and they have so much fun with their students, the room is always filled with positive energy, smiles, giggles and warm hugs. We did their interview together and so much of what they said was the same. I asked them what they want their students to take away from their classrooms and the both answered “well rounded in school and out of school, more respectful, good people skill and to become better people. We want them to be able to carry a conversation with adults, and to continue their love for learning” and the list goes on and on. They both want to inspire their students by over celebrating to good, being positive role models and showing them how to be good people outside of the classroom also. I asked them both what is something they would want their parents to know about them that they may not know and they both answered “We want what’s best for each child, this is a safe place, we love them like our own, that we want to meet their needs and we are always here.” I am truly thankful for Ms. Saunders and Ms. Bargen they have inspired not only me but also my children. Their love for education and caring for their students is truly inspirational. We are so lucky to have such amazing teachers to teach our children and they all work so hard for all of our kids.

Getting to know Ashley….

What is the best part of your day….Depends on the day, each day is different. I love the hugs at the end of the day!

What is the best thing about being a teacher….Ranges from people I work with, new adventures every day, and the kids are the light of the day.

What is your favorite subject to teach….MATH!

What is your biggest struggle….Taking home children’s problems big or small. We worry about them outside of school just as much as in school. We consider them our children also; we love them just as they are our children. So to know some may be struggling outside of school is hard not to worry about.

What is your greatest accomplishment….Not there yet! Being someone that matters.

What is your favorite children’s book….Love all children books, and the humor in them. 

What is your biggest fear….Snakes!

What is something on your bucket list….To go and see the Christmas tree in Times Square.

Who inspires you and why….My team here at school, we always have each other’s backs, are on the same page, and in it for the kids.

What is your favorite quote….“Don’t give up. I believe in you all...A person’s a person no matter how small.”

Getting to know Rachel….

What is the best part of your day….Sometimes you get frustrated and I think every job has those days, but at school the kids can sense it and when they come up to you or even say something to make it worth it or better makes for the best part of the day.

What is the best thing about being a teacher….Really love the end of the year slide show we put together. It is so sad to see them move on but we get to rejoice and reflect on what they have learned and how much they have grown.

What is your favorite subject to teach….MATH!

What is your biggest struggle….Taking home children’s problems big or small. We worry about them outside of school just as much as in school. We consider them our children also; we love them just as they are our children. So to know some may be struggling outside of school is hard not to worry about.

What is your greatest accomplishment….When a student finally understands something, it may take a while but when they do it is amazing.

What is your favorite children’s book….The Book with no pictures. 

What is your biggest fear….Mice!

What is something on your bucket list….Traveling, seeing the world.

Who inspires you and why….Shelia Knoll & Patty Ranglos, two teachers I student taught with who encouraged me, made me feel good enough, and perused education the right way.

What is your favorite quote…."You must be the change you wish to see in the world." 

One word to describe “Ashley and Rachel” and why she inspires you…..

“Rachel is inviting and warm, light hearted and accepting. When I see her walk into my Yoga classes I feel her sincere energy and her ability to laugh at herself is unique and genuine. She is a wonderful person.” –Shea Lehnen

“Smart and Funny! Ms. Saunders makes up the funniest songs, she dances silly with our class, and tells the best stories!” –Madison Renstrom

“AWESOME! Ms. Bargen is awesome because she makes us laugh, helps us when we aren’t sure of something, has amazing hugs and tells the best stories.” –Allison Renstrom

“Rachel your one word is Switzerland! You have always taken neutral ground. You hate drama, and seem to find a fair solution for all. We wish you the strength to fare challenges with confidence...along with the wisdom to choose your battles carefully...we wish you adventure on your journey and may you always stop to help others along the way...Listen to your heart and take risks carefully...Remember how much you are loved. We are so proud of you!! Mom and Dad” –Anne Saunders

“Ms. Bargen is Amazing and Kind because she lets you read any book you want and she is fun in class!” –Hannah Ortega

“Ashley is selflessly dedicated to someone else's success not only in academics but life itself..... She is truly a gem!” –Leslie Jones

“My one word for Ashley is Caring.  She really cares about the kids she teaches. There has been a couple of times that she has contacted me concerned about my son and if there is anything she can do to help him. She is wonderful.” –Jamie Sullivan

“Dependable! Ashley is an inspiration because she goes above and beyond for every student to make sure all of their needs are met. When a student is struggling, she's right there guiding them in the right direction. When a student is excelling, Ashley makes sure to push them to their highest potential. All of her students succeed, which shows that she is truly something special!” –Missy Hodgs

“Caring! Ms. Bargen is always there to help when you need help.”  Raygen Zahrowski

"ENTHUSIASTIC! Rachel sparks a fire in the learning of a child." Teri Rabun

"Passionate! Ashley is dedicated to the growth of the children she teaches. She makes learning fun and cares about each and every child." -Nichole Sullivan

“One word to describe Rach... Inspiring! Rachel has the natural ability to motivate and inspire those around her...both young and old!  Whenever I read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear", to my 2 year old, at the end there is a picture of a teacher, and she always says, "this is Mommy ray-ray" (yes..my 2 year old loves her so much she calls her Mommy) and proceeds to give the teacher on the page a kiss. This is just one of MANY examples of how much she is loved and admired.  I have a list a mile long of examples that show how much Rach has impacted and inspired not just my kiddos, or myself, but pretty much anyone she's crossed paths with.” –Marissa Beard

"Funny, Exciting, Awesome, and Happy!! Ms. Saunders was my favorite teacher because she was always excited to teach us. She always made everything fun!" -Tyler Bevers

“Hard-working! Ashley works hard to meet the needs of all her students!” –Mrs. Goecke

“One word to describe Ashley is hard...Compassionate! You have a wonderful heart and a smile that warms a room...I remember when Emma needed help with her volleyball serves and you gave time early in the morning to help her out. Your wonderful!” –Anne Saunders

“I would go with compassionate if I had to choose just for Ashley.” –Maci Shatto

"Determined! Ashley is a very self-driven person in all aspects of her life." -Bridget Addleman

“Radiant! Rachel is an inspiration to me because she builds unique connections with every student she encounters. She connects with them personally and applies it to her teaching so that everything they learn has a real-life connection behind it. She understands that all students are different and have various needs. Therefore, she does everything in her power to make sure their needs are met, no matter the situation. The students love Rachel, and for good reason! What's not to love?” –Missy Hodgs

“Ms. Bargen is Awesome!” –Jarret Jones

“Compassionate! I have not personally seen Rachel teach but I have heard things about how great she is from students and other parents.” –Bridget Addleman

“Ms. Saunders is Gifted!” –Felicia Perry

“ENERGETIC! She cares so much about her students and treats them as if they were her own. Her laugh is contagious and you can't go without smiling when you hear it. Outside of the classroom, she is also a great friend. She would do anything for her friends. Ashley has the biggest heart!” –Riley Dilts

“Patient! Both of my girls have had Ashley as a teacher and each year she has shown so much patience with all of her students.  Even on trying days she shows patience when teaching her students new topics.  She is an inspiration to all teachers with all of her new ideas.” –Misty Zahrowski

“Energetic! Rachel always goes ‘the extra mile’ to do what’s best for her kids!” –Mrs. Goecke

“Sweet! Ashley has done so much to encourage and make things easier for my daughter. She is so much fun to talk with and get excited when she sees growth in the students she teaches.” –Amber Ortega

 “Amazing! Ms. Bargen always makes our activities fun!” –Hayleigh Zahrowski

“To describe Rachel in only one word has been quite challenging! There are hundreds of words that came to mind when I think of Rachel. I suppose if I have to pick just one it would be RADIENT! We were lucky enough to have Ms. Saunders for our youngest son’s 2^nd grade teacher her first year teaching. I say lucky because our boys have had first year teachers before and they’ve always been either a treat or a very trying year. To say Rachel was a treat is a HUGE understatement. Rachel radiates happy. She is like a little ball of sunshine. Her love, passion, care and concern for her ‘kids’ just glow from her. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t have any younger children that will have the opportunity to be ‘under her wings’ for a school year. Keep shinning girl, we are definitely blessed by you.” -Janae Archuleta

(All my girls wanted for their birthday this year were shoes just like their teachers!)

I am truly grateful and blessed to have these two amazing women teaching my children. I know that we will truly miss them when we move into 3^rd grade but know they are part of our family now and will forever be grateful for what they have done for us. What better examples for my girls and all the girls out there, two beautiful women inside and out who truly care and love the job they do. So thank you for allowing me to capture you, and how honored I was for you both to sit down and tell me more about yourselves so that more will know the amazing and inspirational women you truly are. Thank you!