Mallory Poole

My dedication and commitment to education were forged years ago because of the example of my indomitable maternal grandmother. She encouraged everyone in our family to value and have a profound respect for education. Her mother received a certification in teaching back in 1915 when the requirements to qualify to teach were much different than today. My 95-year old grandmother followed her mother’s example and was indeed a leader of her generation. She retired from education and counseling after thirty-seven years of making a positive impact on the lives of everyone she came in contact with. As a fourth-generation teacher, I have a personal conviction and profound respect for individuals that truly make a difference in students’ lives.

One of my goals is to impact the lives of kids in their formative years positively.

Since my middle school years, my nickname has been Mom because my friends say I honestly care about them, truly listen, and give them wise advice.  Also, my mom encouraged me to use my skills and talents to interact daily with people. It was an easy progression for me to become an educator and carry these unique qualities into my classroom.  Being the youngest of seven kids has allowed me to observe examples of success and good judgment.  During my secondary school years, I realized the value of this process and decided I truly wanted to positively impact others’ lives, so I began taking steps on this path.  Another influence has been my dear friend and neighbor has a brother who is severely autistic.  I spent a lot of time in their home all of my growing up years, and during my senior year in high school, I worked with students with special needs.  This experience propelled me along the path of choosing special education and administration as my focus in education.

My extensive involvement in community service has reaffirmed my passion for serving and educating others.  I want to continue to encourage young people to broaden their worlds.

Interpersonal skills are a valuable part of education. I have had the opportunity to associate with and interact with people of very diverse backgrounds and upbringings.  I see diversity as a learning opportunity.   It takes work, but I am willing to put forth the effort to meet all my students’ needs.

Some of the highlights of my career thus far include classroom theme dress-up days, raising a therapy pet with my students, visiting each student’s home at the beginning and throughout the school year, helping Santa deliver Christmas to several of my students each year, doorbell ditching encouraging notes along with educational games during limited contact Covid, and most importantly the smiles I see each day in my classroom.