Dusty Spence - Consistent Compassion with Purposeful Guidance
After more than 30 years of working in K-12 education, I have acquired wisdom and knowledge from lived experience and continue to learn more every day. Perhaps the greatest practical perspective I have gained is the understanding that it is acceptable to be kind, light-hearted, compassionate, and still stand on business ALL the time. While this may not be easy at times, as an educator, I feel as though it is my responsibility to be all of those things for my students for one simple reason: They need it.
Developing the ability to skillfully navigate the moments where boundaries are made, trust is built, and relationships grow has become my superpower. This is where the “tough kids”, the students with behavioral issues are rebuilt and develop into strong students and individuals that learn to develop the life and academic skills needed to flourish, both in and out of school. I consider myself to be the “safe place” for students who need guidance, love, and support to achieve academic success and workplace goals for the future.
Balancing classroom management with being a "fun teacher" is achievable and can greatly enhance learning. It's not about being a comedian or everybody’s best friend, but rather, it’s about creating a positive, engaging, and structured learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and participating actively. Strong classroom management is the foundation for fun, allowing for structured activities that are both engaging and beneficial.
Over the past three decades, I have served as Lead teacher in a private school setting (grades k-10, all subjects), Assistant Principal, Remote Lead Teacher for Youth Center during COVID which included three school districts (grades k-8) and a total of 75 students, Summer Program Director, and as an instructor in local college courses. I also tutor students and have served as a mentor to new teachers. I have served on local city and community youth boards, collegiate boards, church activities, and served in many other roles. I have two adult children who were both collegiate/high school athletes. They excelled at sports and also thrived academically. I am excited to have recently become a grandmother to newborn twins. Although I struggle with health issues, including ET (Chronic Leukemia), my work brings me purpose and joy. These lived experiences have shaped the educator I am today.
For the last four years I have served as ISS Coordinator at Blacksburg High School. This is one of 19 schools in Montgomery County that includes four high schools. BHS is the largest high school in our district and ranks among the top 10 in the state. Our school serves around 1,300 students and has over 80 faculty and staff. Enrollment includes 25% minority students, around equal male and female enrollment, and more than a quarter of students are economically disadvantaged. I handle before/after school detentions, lunch detentions, ISS and OSS responsibilities, and other responsibilities such as mentoring, AP Testing Coordination (we service close to 2,000 tests), handling student attendance/tardies, and SOL proctoring. I serve with an amazing administrative team that includes the principal, three assistant principals, counselors, and community services staff. Regardless of the setting—private or public, large or small schools, and across academic and financial spectrums—I have learned how to balance fun, compassion, support, structure, and accountability.
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This is key! Establish clear rules and routines from the beginning and consistently enforce them. This provides a sense of security and predictability for students. I focus on praising positive behaviors and efforts rather than just correcting mistakes. This builds confidence and encourages students to participate. Begin and end conversations and with praise. Being consistent in your approach to both positive and negative behaviors is crucial for students to understand what is expected of them.
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Spend time getting to know your students, building rapport, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. I’m blessed to live in a relatively close, tight knit community, where we know our neighbors. Whether it’s checking in after important tests, showing up at extracurricular activities, sending a quick email the morning of a test, whatever is needed to connect. Include personal goals and rewards as necessary. Incorporate what inspires that student and adjust how you teach to the student rather than expecting the student to conform to how you teach. Make learning fun by incorporating games, activities, hand-on activities and student-driven learning environments.
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Many times, students arrive hungry, tired, or overwhelmed by emotions. I try to connect with students as the day begins in the community areas, so I can get a “read” on how the students are beginning their day and lift up the students who seem to be struggling. Many times, students can’t express the real problem or what is needed to fix their behavior. I utilize a 10 Step system when students are assigned to me. I address the physical, mental, and emotional needs as well as behavior, academic, and social needs of students. I incorporate a variety of tools (music, color/activity sheets, fidget spinners and manipulatives, etc.) that allow students to express themselves and connect to their lives and interests to make learning more meaningful. The students work with me to create a plan so they are accountable and in control of their success. We celebrate both small and large achievements to foster a positive learning environment.
By combining strong classroom management with creative and engaging teaching practices, you can create a positive and fun learning environment where students thrive. I teach them that strategies, accountability, and success are within them and that I will be there to support and encourage them. When high expectations are wrapped in consistency and compassion, students rise - not because they are pushed, but because they were supported and someone believed in them.
Dusty Spence is an in-school suspension (ISS) coordinator at Blacksburg High School (Montgomery County Public Schools) in Blacksburg, VA. In recognition of her leadership both in and outside of the classroom, she was named a National Life Group 2024-25 LifeChanger of the Year Award winner.