Sue Stading

Honoree:
Sue Stading

Submitted By:
Melba and Fred Spooner

In the spring of 2000, I found myself in a quandary. My seven year old son, Max, was miserable in school. Even at such a young age, he had become jaded with our educational system and the chilling words, “Why bother?” had become his educational mantra. Turning my attention to helping Max survive the last months of his first grade year, I concurrently began seeking placement for the following school year.

Through exhaustive research, we found a school with a new educational philosophy for Max. After doing everything in my power to restore his battered attitude during the summer months, we anxiousiy awaited that first day of school. A new school. A new teacher. New ideas. New curriculum. New attitude. New everything. I promised Max that second grade would be better. I just hoped that I was being truthful.

In August, the day finally arrived. Max was the first student to enter the classroom. His new teacher, Ms. Sue Stadlng, came over to introduce herself. From that first meeting, Max’s demeanor began to shift. Initially, Max struggled with his educational demons, and it took some months before he really began to trust that Ms. Stading wanted the best for him. In the late fall, I believe the love affair began to blossom. Max loved everything about Ms. Stading, and she seemed to love everything about him. Finally, Max felt like he belonged somewhere, he found his place in Ms. Stading’s class and in her heart. Max stopped dreading school and soon was the first one awake in the house, packed and ready to go to school each day. The year progressed in ways that not only exceeded my expectations, but actually were beyond my wildest dreams. Because of the efforts of Sue Stading, Max loved learning and Max loved school.

I will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Ms. Stading. She gave my son the most important gift that a teacher can give. She instilled in him a love of learning. But Max was not special or different in her class; she did this for every one of her students. To this day, I believe that Max’s best year was the second grade, a fact that I attribute to Ms. Stading’s unfailingly cheerful, honest and direct educational approach. I am certain, if polled, each of the other parents in Ms. Stading’s classroom would have similar stories to share. Ms. Stading possesses a rare gift- she can fix children with broken spirits. I know this for a fact. She fixed my little boy’s broken spirit. For this, she will have my unwavering appreciation.

For some teachers, education is a job. For others, it is a career. Even others may consider education a vocation. For Sue Stading, I believe that education is a calling. Her dedication and natural ability truly benefited the students and the parents that she has touched throughout her tenure in education. The world is better place due to teachers like Sue Stading and for this she wholly deserves special recognition.

Story by:

Tracie-Lynn Zakas

EC General Curriculum Teacher

Cochrane Middle School

Gift from: Drs. Melba and Fred Spooner (Sue Stading is Melba’s sister)