Sherry Lamb, a resource teacher at White River Elementary School, has been selected as December’s Teacher of the Month, sponsored by Hare Chevrolet and Current Publishing.
“When I was notified of my nomination, I asked, ‘Why me?’ I just do what makes me happy every day,” said Lamb.
She was nominated by second-grader Connor Reiff, 8, where he wrote: “Mrs. Lamb is the best teacher in the whole wide world. She teaches me to be assertive and to stand up for myself. I’ve learned about good and bad teasing and to never be a bully. She helps me with writing and math. Her hugs feel warm and nice. I love her forever and ever. Amen.”
Connor’s parents, Adam and Sarah Reiff, said their son has had the privilege of working with Lamb since kindergarten.
“Resource teachers rarely get acknowledged for their endeavors,” the Reiffs wrote. “We know Mrs. Lamb works countless hours to help her students receive a quality education (having to write Individual Education Plans, preparing lessons, following up on medical, behavioral and educational concerns, and meet the emotional needs of her students). Our son, Connor, is an example of her caring consistency and her devotion.”
Lamb said she has always had a special place in her heart for individuals who struggle with disabilities.
“As a little girl, I was the one who waited to open shopping doors for those that appeared not physically able to do so. As I grew older, this interest never subsided as I became more aware of the daily challenges that persons with disabilities faced,” she said. “The added challenge of working with students with disabilities enhanced this interest. Students are like puzzle pieces, all brightly designed, each uniquely shaped and a challenge in getting the pieces to fit together.”
As a teacher for emotional disabilities, Lamb serves as a resource for parents and teachers to develop and implement educational programs that foster academic success, social competence and assist students in reaching their fullest potential.
“He is excited to attend school, flourishes in the environment and is achieving more than we could have imagined,” said the Reiffs. “We know that ‘regular’ education teachers touch hundreds of children in their careers. Mrs. Lamb touches many who might not otherwise have a chance to succeed as they have.”
Lamb has been teaching for 30 years, and has spent the past 11 years in Noblesville Schools.
Lamb said the worst part of her job is to witness students trying hard and often feeling defeated by their own difficult struggles in attempting progress.
“The best part of my job is I get the opportunity every day to help a student be a happy, confident and successful individual,” she said.