During my time as a student teacher, I had the privilege of working with Ms. Graham (Waters), whose guidance and mentorship have had a lasting impact on my development as a teacher. From day one, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students’ growth, fostering a classroom environment that was both nurturing and academically rigorous. Her ability to connect with each student, regardless of their individual needs, is something I greatly admired and strive to emulate in my own teaching practice.

Ms. Graham was incredibly generous with her time and expertise, always offering constructive feedback and insightful suggestions that helped guide me to the teacher I am today. Her passion for education is contagious, and she constantly encouraged me to experiment with new approaches and to trust my instincts as a teacher. Under her guidance, I gained confidence in my teaching abilities and learned how to create engaging lessons that the students truly enjoyed. Ms. Graham was not only a joy to work with in the classroom, but an incredible friend. She has supported me and kept in contact with me throughout my career. I value the friendship and mentor I gained when I became Ms. Graham's student teacher in 2018.