Celebrating Stacye Bacon: Hope and Inspiration at Will Rogers Junior High
At Claremore Public Schools, a teacher has quietly transformed lives and instilled hope in the most unexpected places. Stacye Bacon, recently honored as the Site Teacher of the Year at Will Rogers Junior High, has taught her students about reading and English Language Learning and woven lessons of resilience, compassion, and personal growth into the fabric of her classroom. Her journey and philosophy of teaching provide a beacon of light for her students and the Claremore community, proving that education extends far beyond textbooks and tests.
Stacye's love for school and learning is a passion ignited by personal triumph. It was during her childhood, a time filled with sports, music, and an eagerness to partake in every experience her small school offered, that she bloomed. It was a love so profound that saying goodbye at each year's end brought tears—a tradition that has followed her into her teaching career. However, Stacye’s journey to becoming a teacher was not just fueled by her fond memories of school but also by overcoming personal trials. Surviving personal tragedy, Stacye stands as a testament to the strength found in adversity, a message she passionately imparts to her students.
Her teaching philosophy is built on a foundation of compassion that centers around improvement, consistency, and, above all, genuine care for her students. She strives to be a stable presence in her students' lives in a world brimming with inconsistency. Her holistic approach recognizes that learning is intrinsically linked to emotional well-being. By fostering a safe and nurturing environment, Stacye ensures that her classroom is where healing begins and learning thrives. Her mantra, “Hard is not bad, just hard,” encourages students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Stacye shares a powerful quote in her professional biography: “There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” This insight into some students' invisible struggles underscores her commitment to trauma-informed teaching practices. Understanding that some students come from backgrounds of trauma, Stacye emphasizes the importance of compassion, patience, and a personalized approach to education. It’s a strategy that not only aids in the academic development of her students but also in their emotional and personal growth.
As Bacon stands as a candidate for the District Teacher of the Year for Claremore Public Schools, it’s clear that her influence extends far beyond her immediate classroom. She embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator: passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her students' overall well-being. Bacon’s recognition is a testament to the quality and dedication of teachers within Claremore Public Schools, ensuring that their children are educated, truly seen, heard, and supported.
As Stacye Bacon continues to inspire, guide, and uplift her students, her story stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the transformative power of education fueled by compassion and resilience. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE