The Milan News-Leader
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Meet the teacher: Sue Tomford
Enjoyment found in growth
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2008
Name: Sue Tomford
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Age: 48
Family: Husband, Don; daughters, Ashley and Kim Ludwig; stepdaughters, Kristy and Kari Tomford.
Education: Milan High School; bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Michigan University.
Native of: Eastern Pennsylvania.
Teaching experience: Paddock and Symons elementary schools in Milan for 24 years and the Heritage Academy in Newnan, Ga., for one year.
School you teach: Symons Elementary School.
Grade/subject you teach: Fifth grade.
Favorite subject in school: My favorite class was Mr. Pelligrini's history class in high school.
Least favorite subject in school: My least favorite subject while I was in school was English; however, I enjoy teaching it now.
Something people would be surprised to know about you: I was a member of the first girls' swimming, girls' softball and girls' volleyball teams at Milan High School.
Most influential person in your life: My grandfather, William Batteiger Anthony Jr., and my father, William Batteiger Anthony III are the two most influential people in my life.
Quote to live by: "Do what you can with what you've got wherever you are," byTheodore Roosevelt.
What do you like most about teaching?
The best thing about teaching is watching students grow emotionally, physically and intellectually through out the school year.
What do you like least about teaching?
Paperwork! (Just like the kids.)
What is the most challenging part about teaching?
The most challenging part of teaching is trying to make sure that the entire class will be prepared for their next school year.
What are some of the goals you set for students?
I feel the most important goal is for students to become responsible for their own learning.
How do you handle a disruptive student?
Every student is different and is handled differently.
How do you handle a student who doesn't focus well?
See above.
What do you tell parents about being involved in their children's education?
It's important for parents of fifth-graders to be supportive, but to start to turn the responsibility over to the student. This is very hard for many parents.
Are students feeling more pressure to succeed today?
I don't feel students are feeling any more pressure to succeed then when I started almost 25 years ago. I do feel that some of them feel the pressure of keeping up with homework and numerous extracurricular activities that they are involved with. Our community and schools offer so many more activities for students than they did years ago. It's tough for students and parents to balance homework and home life.
Walk us through a typical day for you?
I usually arrive at school 45 to 60 minutes before the students. Math, science, social studies and language arts are covered in the morning. Lunch is usually at my desk. I like to get through a bit of paperwork during this time.
My students have special classes in the afternoon. I see them long enough to prepare their planners for home, read aloud to them, and allow a short study hall time for a head start on their homework.
Typically, I work in the room until about 5 p.m. I try to keep my evenings as free as possible for family activities.
How has your job changed over the years?
The biggest change I have seen over the years is a much more intense curriculum that we are instructed to cover. It's difficult to cover everything required by the state in a typical school day.
What do you like most about teaching in Milan?
Our school board and administration continues to strive to put students first in Milan. It's becoming increasingly difficult for Milan and all schools in Michigan to reach the goal of "No Child Left Behind" with our current economic condition.
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