September 9, 2020
By KEITH RYAN CARTWRIGHT
Rutherford County Schools
For the past 27 years, Shawn Lee has kept a joy journal.
Sure, there’s a lot about her family in it but much of it comes from her otherfamily — the students she’s taught in her middle school science classes.
She’s taught sixth- and seventh-grade science, but seventh-grade science at Blackman Middle School “is my favorite” and in spite of the impact of the ongoing pandemic and changes in education this year, Lee has still made it a point to find something class-related to enter in her journal.
It’s a collection of funny memories that made her laugh or brought tears of joy.
Recently, she was in a one-on-one Zoom call with a student—something of a new norm this year—and he could sense she was struggling, not with the material being covered but with the adjusting to the new technology.
The student got her attention and said, “I just really want to say, ‘Thank you. You’re being an awesome teacher during the time of this virus. Please, know I appreciate you.’”
“From a 12-year-old boy,” said Lee, who was struck by his compassion.
Lee’s mother taught for 54 years.
She followed and has been in a classroom for more than two decades.
“I was created to teach middle school,” Lee said. “Besides being a mom and a wife, I was created to teach.”
Lee added, “As teachers, we all want to do the very, very best we know how to do … I just had to take it back to the basics. I lay my head down at night and know that I’ve done the very best I know how to do, and I’ve loved kids the very best I know how to love them.”
She’s made a career out of building long-lasting relationships.
And, in the process, teaching kids the periodic table of the elements.
She loves seeing “their little faces” through the laughter and the tears. She loves being the one to provide a much-needed hug when it’s necessary or words of encouragement after a disappointing ball game, none of which has to do with science but all of which deepens the bond between a teacher and a student. And, in the process, makes them want to do that much better in her class.
At 12 and 13 years old, those students need to hear those compliments, especially now.
With part of her class learning from a distance and the in-person students wearing masks that cover much of their expressions, the 2020–2021 school year is different from past years.
“I’ve had to work a little extra harder this year just for them to be able to feel that because some of their little energy, it’s a little bit gone behind the mask,” said Lee, who emphasizes eye contact. “I’ve always been successful with kids because I can build a really great rapport with them, so it’s taking longer to build that rapport with my distant learners.”
She added, “I’m figuring out ways to feel success. I don’t want you ever to be a name on my role. I need to know what you look like. I need to hear your thought.”
After three full weeks, she said everyone is starting to get to know each other.
At the end of recent assignment, she asked, what do you wish Ms. Lee knew about me? One girl wrote she wished Lee “knew I was a middle school cheerleader.”
Before going home after school, last week, Lee made it a point to watch her cheer.
Nevertheless, in the classroom, Lee has worked with her fellow seventh-grade science teachers — Harlee Morphis, Terry O’Brien and Marsha Smith — and the rest of Blackman’s science department — Leisa Barrier, Katelyn Bullock, Wendy Davenport, Ashley Peterman, Misha Sweet, Krystal Wassel and Alexandria Wright.
“I don’t have to worry about classroom management and all that stuff,” Lee said, “but because I’m way older than a lot of my new teachers, these new younger teachers are able to figure out ways — technology-wise — to help mentor others. We’re literally able to feed off each other and say, ‘Here’s what I can bring to the table.’
“It’s definitely not a year to sit back and not be a team player. If you were trying to figure this all out on your own, I really think you would drown.”
PHOTO PROVIDED