Dr. Tiffany Fane

I would say relationship building. Everyone. So, I see a former student because I don't live, you know, in the district. In Maryville, Illinois, which is very close. It's a border, border city to St. Louis, but just being out in the community, I haven't left. I really haven't left the community. I do volunteer work in the community, and it's just been relationship building that's been key. Even since leaving Hazelwood, I still keep in touch with my former students, my former teaching staff, and, you know, and then I look for connections, you know, beyond where I am, you know, to facilitate, learning, bringing resources into the school building.

I would have to say work-life balance. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of what you're doing, and so I have to say, I'm a parent, a later stage parent. I didn't, I adopted twins. ... I knew I needed to make some changes, because my life was cool. and church. That's what I did. School, church, and sorority. ... But I had to make room for these babies, you know? ... the best piece of advice I've had was to take out time for you. And your family. Because I didn't have it before, but I will say I do have it now.

I would point them in the direction that I would, just researching, colleges of education. Actually, there's work that can be done at the high school level with the student, or the young woman is in high school still. You know, volunteering time, working with, younger children going to read books at the elementary school level, or what have you. College kids really have great opportunities, to explore careers in education. ... getting those opportunities in summers and, Talking, talking to teachers who've been there, you know? That's what I would suggest.

My... the biggest challenge is our teacher shortage. And filling gaps, you know... Our... even our, substitute teaching pool seems to be a bit of a challenge, filling those gaps. So, having the staffing to meet the needs of students. One major challenge that we're facing for the upcoming school year is the loss of our social-emotional Staff support. Due to budget... budget cuts. So... Staffing on top of budget cuts that, you know, other places, that would be the major challenge.

Well, I am a Christian. So, I always follow the golden rule. And I just, you know... every... every morning, I have to have a time where I'm setting the course for a good day, and commanding my day. And so I do teach my students to do the same, and it doesn't have to be that they're vocal about it, but it's something that they do. To keep them grounded. ... As far as, yeah, the Christian perspective and stuff. And, also, just, you know, loving... loving not as much as... Because, you know... How can I put this? Just caring, caring for the fellow man, I'll say that.