A Teacher’s Journey: Finding Joy Again

Have you ever felt like your passion for teaching was fading? Have you ever wondered if there was a school out there where you could truly thrive? Well, let me introduce you to a teacher who found just that! This teacher’s journey resonates deeply with educators and administrators alike, especially those who, like the school’s founder, have dedicated their lives to creating nurturing spaces for students to learn and grow.

Meet  Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Gordon, a dedicated educator who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary at Telesis, a school founded by Dr. Sandy Breece 33 years ago with only 9 students and now has over 300 K-12 students. Telesis has positively touched thousands of student and teacher lives in that 33 years, Mrs. Gordon is one of them. Mrs. Gordon was struggling to find joy in her profession. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic had taken a toll on her enthusiasm.

But then, she discovered Telesis. And boy, what a difference it made!

One of the things Mrs. Gordon loves most about Telesis is the supportive community of educators. From the moment she joined, she felt welcomed and appreciated. Her colleagues were always there to lend a helping hand, share ideas, and celebrate each other’s successes.

Thanks to the positive atmosphere at Telesis, Mrs. Gordon has rediscovered her passion for teaching. She wakes up every morning excited to go to school and see her students. She loves watching them grow and learn, and she finds great satisfaction in helping them reach their full potential.

Another thing Mrs. Gordon appreciates about Telesis is the school’s focus on data-driven instruction. By analyzing student progress, she can make informed decisions about her teaching and ensure that every student is getting the support they need.

Telesis has not only been a great place for Mrs. Gordon to teach, but it has also been a place for her to grow and develop as a person. The school’s supportive environment has helped her to overcome challenges and find balance in her life.

Here’s her full letter of appreciation for the Telesis Community

This is just an appreciation message to you all!

I was talking with my mother-in-law last night and realized that I am coming up on being at Telesis 1 whole year.  As I was talking with her, I told her that it has been a long time since I could wake up in the morning and was excited to go to school.

Since COVID, trying to find my place in education has been tough.  I loved teaching and I loved my students, but it became so hard trying to find joy in going to school.  My heart was there but it was like trudging through the mud.

As I come up on one whole year here at Telesis, I just wanted to tell you ladies how much I appreciate and love what I am part of here.  I look forward to coming to school every morning, seeing all the wonderful educators here, and experiencing their love for their students every single day.  I love watching these kiddos grow and learn (and the data analysis is an added bonus for me).  Mrs. Crum has been a wealth of knowledge and collaboration for me this year, and I hope to continue growing and learning here.  Additionally, your love and support through my own personal life has been nothing short of a blessing! 

So, I just wanted to send all the gratitude I have to you all for helping me find my love for teaching again and for allowing me the opportunity to work with these wonderful students and educators.  It has been an amazing year with amazing people, and I hope to continue to support what you all have built here in Havasu.

Happy October! 

Mrs. Gordon is just one example of how a supportive school environment can make all the difference in a teacher’s career. If you’re feeling burnt out or unfulfilled in your current role, it might be time to consider a change. Who knows, you might just find your own Telesis!

Would you like to hear more about Telesis or learn about other schools that prioritize teacher well-being? Let me know in the comments below!