Meet Lisa Marks.
She’s a fourth grade teacher of 22 years and our host at Ludlow Elementary School in Ludlow, Vermont—one of the first stops on the Busload of Books Tour. Lisa was kind enough to tell us a bit more about herself and the Ludlow community.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
Absolutely the kids! There’s nothing better than watching children be excited to learn. Every single day is different and another chance to have an impact on a child’s life. Kids are sponges when it comes to learning about the world around them.
WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE BETTER UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACING TITLE I SCHOOLS?
Budget cuts—along with the fact that students today require a lot more than even 15 years ago. They are growing up with a number of outside pressures that affect their mental wellbeing. Students need more support than ever before.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES IF YOUR SCHOOL HAD MORE FUNDING?
Field trips and guest speakers paid for by the school, updated classroom libraries, trauma training and having tools for students with trauma to use, more counseling available to help students cope with our ever changing world.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL MAKES YOU PROUDEST?
Our kids…the way they respect and care for one another even when they don’t always agree.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL?
We have a community of learners at all levels. It really is a family of almost 100!!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE TOUR WILL BRING TO LUDLOW?
We have an outdoor forest classroom for grades K-1. Students begin their school lives immersed in it, so the book Everywhere Wonder will be a great point of discussion for them. And having the opportunity to meet an author and illustrator who have had experiences in Alaska and other places, and also have four kids, will give our students the opportunity to realize that authors are people that have families and lives just like all of us.
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