Alumni Teacher Profile- Mrs. Sue Phelps

By Emma Wood, Staff Writer

February 5, 2024

ROCKLAND - Mrs. Sue Phelps is one of the many alumni teachers at Rockland High School.

Mrs. Phelps was an athlete at Rockland High and participated in gymnastics for four years. 

“I cheered for the last two years because they wanted someone who could tumble,” Mrs. Phelps stated. 

Mrs. Phelps was involved in lots of clubs and committees, including, Student Government, Ski club, volunteering and peer service, and was a class officer.

Phelps Elementary School was named after Mrs. Phelps in-laws The school being named after her mother-in-law and father-in-law was very emotional for her. 

“For my mother-in law, Ann Phelps, and my father- in law, Richard Phelps, it was so wonderful that they were actually acknowledged for giving back for so many years. And for all the effort and time they put into the community here. It was surreal and it still is special every day,” she said.

Ms. Kara Penney, a history teacher at Rockland High, had a very special relationship with Mrs. Phelps which continues today.

“Ms. Phelps was my favorite teacher when I was in high school. She was always a great support for me whenever I needed advice. What's amazing about Ms.Phelps is that she keeps her caring relationships with her students after high school. She is still someone I look up to and admire and still ask for advice!” 

According to one of Mrs. Phelps's students, freshman Lycia Nassif, “Mrs. Phelps is a very good teacher who is very chill.”

Nassif even stated that she looks forward to having health every other day because it's relaxing. 

According to Lycia, “My favorite part about Mrs. Phelps’ class is that she gives us freedom and not a lot of work. Mrs. Phelps is a great teacher and helps us learn while also having the ability to relax.”

Mrs. Phelps went to school with quite a few other staff members. 

Ms. Kathy Paulding, assistant principal and RHS alum, said having former Bulldog teachers is good because “I think it makes it easier to connect with the students because we know their neighborhoods and how they are feeling about certain things.” 

Although Mrs. Phelps and Ms. Paulding did not know each other very well in school, they are friends now. 

Mrs. Phelps met her husband in school. He was a year younger than her and they met through her best friend, who she is still friends with today. 

Mrs. Phelps grew up in Rockland, but things suddenly changed when she moved. Mrs. Phelps moved from Rockland due to the low availability of properties. Her children had a different high school experience than her. 

“I went to Rockland, obviously. It was a small school but my children went to Whitman-Hanson which was a very large school. There were about just under 300 students in each of their graduating classes,” Mrs. Phelps said.

Mrs. Phelps’ life goal was not to become a health teacher. In fact, she wanted to become an athletic trainer, which is what she went to school for. 

Her inspiration to become a teacher came from working at the Rockland Youth Commission and realizing she enjoyed working with kids.