ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Teachers spend a lot of time with our kids and can be some of the most influential people in their lives.
Teacher Elizabeth Powell understands just how important that is. She teaches at Drummond Elementary School and can’t wait for the year to begin.
“I’m excited,” she told 5 On Your Side.
She wants kids coming into her class to feel special.
“I want it to be a happy space. I want my room to feel like family,” she said.
The new school year will be her 25th year in the Pattonville School District. She went to school in the district herself.
When asked if she could believe it’s been a quarter of a century teaching Powell said, “Some days yes and some days no.”
She teaches 4th grade, which has its hurdles that have been complicated by the pandemic.
“When COVID is pulled into things, it’s a different scenario. It’s hard with the mask. You can’t read facial expressions and see what they’re really thinking,” she said. “But eyes tell a lot, you can see a lot in a student’s eyes. Yes, it is a challenge but there are always ways.”
When her new students arrive, she wants them to know they can handle the world around them.
“They deserve to feel that,” she said.
Mrs. Powell is a strong believer in encouraging young minds and instilling confidence.
“Where they know anything is possible, just to know that you matter,” she said.
She has those messages posted on the walls throughout her classroom and calls the sayings “all important words.”
She wants her students to know that when they are done with 4th grade, they’ll be ready for the next chapter in their lives.
“What’s going to fill my heart? Knowing that I made a difference. Knowing that there were successes,” she said.
Drummond Elementary School will be back in session on Monday Aug. 23.