Margaretta teacher perseveres through personal, professional challenges

CASTALIA — Sara Weller's passion for education dates back to her own school days. "I decided to become a teacher mostly because English was my favorite subject in high school," she said. "My mom was also an English teacher, which inspired my career choice as well." Weller works with seventh-, ninth- and twelfth-grade students, but is currently undertaking an important project. "I am a 'special assignment' due to an expansive literacy initiative our district is undergoing," she said. "My role as a literacy team member has allowed me to work with a committee of district teachers and administrators on reviving our curriculum and implementing a new approach to improving our students' literacy skills." Weller was recently chosen by Margaretta Schools administrators to be recognized for her hard work and perseverance during the pandemic. Weller, in her 18th year at Margaretta Schools, explained what she most enjoys about teaching. "My favorite part of being an educator is exposing my students to works of literature and art they may not encounter otherwise," she said. "I love language and watching certain students build their vocabulary with enthusiasm. Beyond that, it's often the personal connections formed with students that is most important to me." When she's not teaching, Weller's hobbies include yoga, shopping and spending time with family and friends. In recent years, one of the challenges Weller has noticed is the learning gaps caused by the pandemic. "Moreover, keeping students engaged without being in the classroom was personally challenging," she said. "It was not a mode of communication I was comfortable with. I was happy our district opted for hybrid learning. This kept the students in the building part of the time. I also quickly learned virtually learning is not conducive for most students." Also amid the pandemic, in her personal life, Weller and her family dealt with losing their home in a fire last summer. It's currently being rebuilt. "I mention this because not only did the Perkins school community rally around us, but the Margaretta school community did as well," she said. "It remains a challenge, but one we are able to navigate because of the tremendous support and love of the people around us." In the classroom, Weller has done her best to make learning more engaging by making sure her students know she cares about them and their well-being during the pandemic. "Many will move mountains for you, so to speak," she said. Another way Weller has sought to make learning more fun has been "allowing students' choices in terms of assessments and projects." "Their willingness to dive deeper is enhanced when they have some control over their learning," she said. Additionally, Weller's class pet has made a difference in students' lives. "Our bunny friend, Oreo, has a semi-permanent presence in my classroom and he has a lot of fans," she said. "Oreo makes the day brighter for many students." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood