Teacher Spotlight: Indian Lane's Wendy Barton

Teacher Spotlight is where we will feature a local teacher who deserves recognition. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

This Indian Lane Elementary School second-grade teacher has taught in the district her entire career, nearly 20 years. To her, teaching is like winning a gold medal.

Teacher: Wendy Barton

School: Indian Lane Elementary School

Grade/Subject: Second Grade

Years in the industry: 19 years, all in the Rose Tree Media School District

Teaching History:

Barton began her career as a long-term substitute in the district before going full time at Rose Tree Elementary for a short period. Then she taught Kindergarten, First and Second grades at Media Elementary until 2003 before coming to Indian Lane where she has also taught Kindergarten, First and now Second grades.

Why did you become a teacher:

I honestly know this is what I'm supposed to be doing and I really think that I was called to do it. Looking back, my Eighth Grade teacher, Mrs. Gray, in Springfield, really inspired a love of writing for me.

What do you like most about your job:

The relationships you get to build with the children and their families.

What do you hope your students get out of your classes:

I hope they are fully prepared for Third Grade. And I hope that they love school, most importantly, and that they feel we were a community of learners all year.

If you could change anything about education, what would it be:

I would want equity for all children, in all schools, because its not equitable. I would want resources to be equitable in all schools, across the nation and the world.

What do you like best about your current school:

I love it here. I love all the children and their families and my teaching partners. We're here late so many nights, because we love it. It's the best, we love it here. It's a joy to come here every day, it really is. This will sound like I'm making it up, but I really feel like I won the gold medal that I get to work here every day.

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