She sat in the classroom, watching as her students entered.
Some sat alone, looking at their phone. Others entered in groups, sitting together and chatting.
Not unlike a first day of school, this veteran of three decades of teaching in Central Texas seemed at home at the head of the class.
But Juanita Sellman is not here to teach students. Her pupils today are teachers.
Sellman came to this meeting of all new teachers in the Temple Independent School District as a guest of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Dr. Bobby Ott.
They have a long history.
In Sellman’s first year of teaching in Copperas Cove, Ott was a high school freshman in her class. Sellman left an indelible impression on him.
Lightening the mood, Ott began the meeting by showing his freshman year picture, feathered hair and all, and he also cracked open his yearbook. Mrs. Sellman was the only teacher to sign it.
While drawing a room full of laughs, it also punctuates Sellman’s message. “You never really know what will become with the students in front of you [in class].”
And while that’s true, it’s also understandable that often for new a teacher, that’s the last thing on their mind. Each day can present a new and different challenge.
“If you look tired and worn out, that rubs off on your students,” Sellman told them.
That’s why Temple ISD has a New Teacher Support System, with a mentor program as its cornerstone.
Program Director Paula Vasek said, “Temple ISD is committed to providing all first-year teachers trained, experienced mentors to guide and support new teachers as they begin their teaching careers. The purpose of the New Teacher Support System Mentor Program is to provide mentors and mentees support in order to facilitate professional growth. As we build capacity with the first year teachers, through district and campus support and resources/best practices, student achievement is ultimately impacted.”
Throughout the school year, the mentor offers a wide range of guidance and support, from help with lesson plans and classroom management, to time management strategies and emotional support.
2nd year Travis Science Academy teacher Chad Manns went through the program last year, and won Temple ISD Rookie of the Year. For Manns, this support made a huge difference as he navigated his way through a middle school classroom. “It was very beneficial because I felt supported and cared for. I was given strategies to use in my classroom that effectively worked. I knew that when I needed any help, someone was there for me.”
Sellman encouraged these teachers to carry on those relationships beyond their first year. “Be friends with your colleagues,” she said. “Help your colleagues out.”
And never forget what’s most important. Sellman never did, and she impacted thousands of lives along the way.
“I have a passion for teaching. I don’t think there is anything better than being a teacher and touching our youngster’s lives.”
Sage advice from a seasoned veteran who on this day is back where she’s at home, at the front of the class, molding another generation.