Shasta Gift, a first grade teacher at McBride Elementary, has worked with Rachel in multiple buildings since Shasta was a student teacher, which provides her with a broad perspective on the support Rachel provides. She explained, “To put it plainly, Rachel is an exceptional leader! From the time I walked into an SPS building as a student teacher and now as an official SPS teacher, Rachel has gone above and beyond to offer help and support in many capacities. She is there for any technology question my team or I may have and offers great feedback on different challenges in the classroom that I can realistically apply and use with my students.”

When considering how Rachel honors the Learning Development department’s mission to build capacity in all we serve, Jeffries Elementary fourth grade teacher Madelyn Harris offered her own insight. “Rachel is honestly one of a kind. She is kind, thoughtful, caring, and a problem solver. What I love is that she is here to offer support, but also helps us as teachers and educators come up with solutions on our own. She helps to guide our thinking to see the bigger picture and notice aspects that we may have not noticed in the first place,” Madelyn offered.

Learning specialists are uniquely positioned to observe classrooms through a non-evaluative and non-judgmental lens. Madelyn provided an example of how this process can play out: “Rachel recently came and observed my class as I was trying to find a solution to a chatty classroom during reader’s workshop. She was so encouraging after observing and not only helped me to see a solution, but she helped point out all the positives that were happening in my classroom. I am so grateful that I get the chance to work with Rachel and have her support.”

Learning specialists work closely with the learning coaches at their sites to ensure all students are getting the richest experiences possible. Elaina Whitson, learning coach at Delaware Elementary, said, “Rachel is always willing to offer support. She is a genuine, approachable, and eager to help.” Elaina summarized Rachel’s support in one powerful statement: “Rachel is a bright spot in the lives of many.”