Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight - Amy Scruggs, District English as a Second Language
We are excited to introduce a new feature on our school district's website that celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive! Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district.
Amy Scruggs - District English as a Second Language
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 6th year
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: My role in the district is to provide language and instructional support to our students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) in PreK-12th grade. This includes developing individualized learning plans, scheduling ESL services for each student, and providing language-based instruction for each ELL in small groups, classes, or pushing into their classrooms.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: One of the things I enjoy most about my role and work in the school district is I get to work with students and families from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds! Our ELL students are amazing and some of our hardest-working students in the district!
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I love reading books, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: One unique thing about my role in the district is I can have a student for multiple years before they test proficient in English and can be exited from ESL. This gives me lots of opportunities to grow and develop what are hopefully positive and impactful relationships with our ELL students. One memorable experience that comes to mind is the development of such a relationship with a particular high school student I had a few years ago.
This particular student didn't like that they were identified as an ELL and let me know it on several occasions. They argued with me, refused to work for me, left my class, etc. I was always firm with this kiddo, but in being firm, I let them know I wouldn't be if I didn't care about them and didn't want to see them succeed. Of course, this was scoffed at, and they were convinced that I was just mean and had nothing better to do than make their life miserable.
This all came to a head when one day this student made some alarming comments and I immediately made phone calls and referrals. They were so mad at me for this and let me know again how mean and awful I was. I again reiterated how I did what I did because of how much I cared. Again, this was dismissed as me being the worst teacher and human ever.
Some time had passed, maybe a few months or the next school year I don't remember now, when this student came to me and said, "Thank you. I know you are tough on me because you do really care about me, and I see that now".
Of course, I was shocked and surprised by the admission, but most of all so grateful that they finally realized how much I truly cared for them and I wasn't being tough just to be mean!
After this revelation, this student asked me for references and still stays in touch. I knew all along what a great kid this was and just needed them to see it too, and while it wasn't easy, it was worth it!
I think most teachers will say some of their toughest students have often turned out to be some of their favorites, and I'm glad to say this kiddo is one of mine!
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: A piece of advice I always give my students and even my own children is "Always ask questions". Ask questions for clarification if you don't understand something. Ask questions to show you're engaged and listening in a conversation. Ask questions about the world around you. The most successful people are constantly asking questions!