Graduation is a time to look forward but it is also a time to look backwards. As my son John approaches graduation from Allen High School next week, I can’t help but look back to his first day of school – to the day that Kathy Ellis came into our lives. Her official title was kindergarten teacher at Vaughan Elementary School but Mrs. Ellis meant more than that to us as we hovered at the door that first day. She was the most important teacher in the world because she had our child in her care. As she had done for hundreds of parents before us, she gave a nod and a knowing smile that meant things would be ok. She was right.
More than thirteen years later, John and Mrs. Ellis are both looking at the end of their school careers in Allen. John is looking ahead to Texas Tech and his kindergarten teacher is looking ahead to retirement.
It is no surprise that Kathy Ellis became a teacher. Her parents, her grandmother and her aunt were all educators. Her husband Zach is a teacher in Plano and both of their sons, Tyler and Jeremy, have chosen teaching careers. She taught kindergarten for 22 years and second grade for another 9 years
“I began teaching right out of college (Stephen F. Austin),” she says. “I then taught kindergarten for 22 years and second grade for another 9 years. I’ve been on a school schedule my entire life.”
Every grade is important but kindergarten is such a unique part of school, according to Ellis. “It’s where children learn how to work with others and figure out how school works. It all begins here.”
“The children are so hungry to learn. They want to please and they are so excited just to be in school,” she adds. “They are so involved in the hands-on play activities that they don’t realize they are learning.”
Teachers use a term called transitions to explain how students wrap up one activity or task and move on to another. In kindergarten, it’s about learning the routines and procedures for things older kids take for granted, says Ellis. Trips to the library, the cafeteria, the bathroom and even the water fountain require planning with a class of five year-olds.
Ellis has enjoyed her time in second grade as well. “The students are more independent and they know the routine. They are still excited about school and are easier to communicate with. They are a pleasure to be with.”
What older kids remember most about kindergarten, according to Ellis, are the special days such as western day and the 100th day and mud pie day and field day. A favorite for many Vaughan students was the wedding day each winter when Mr. Q and Mrs. U got married.
“You just have to love kids to be a successful teacher,” explains Ellis. “You have to enjoy being with them; you have to care about their families and be willing to nurture their learning. It can be a challenge at times but it is so rewarding.”
“Teaching at any level requires a lot of energy and giving. Good teachers pour themselves into their work at school and at home. It’s all about creating great learning experiences for children.”
It’s also about knowing when to give a nod and a knowing smile to some nervous parents.
Best wishes to Mrs. Ellis and all of our Allen ISD family members who will be retiring at the end of this school year.
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