by Hanna Singh
Lincoln Parish has announced the 2024 Teachers of the Year, with Ruston Junior High teacher Sarah Waits being named the Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Waits began teaching 14 years ago, with 9 of those years being in Lincoln Parish. Her journey into education began when she landed an interview with a Teacher Education Program director during college. Although she knew little about the profession at the time, she believes teaching is the career she was always meant to pursue.
“I really had no idea what I was getting into,” Waits said. “However, as I started to experience classroom observations and student teaching, I realized that this was the career that God had called me to serve in. I loved being able to form relationships with students, and I loved seeing those ‘light bulb moments’ where their comprehension and understanding changed from a lack of understanding to finally getting it.”
Waits believes that being an educator goes beyond the academics. She dedicates her efforts to not only teaching English, but also to building relationships with students as a mentor. She explains that when students know she genuinely cares about them, they become more open to learning and engaging academically. Her teaching style focuses on getting to know her students on a personal level and ensuring they feel supported and welcomed in her classroom environment.
Over the years, Waits has worn many hats in addition to her role as an ELA teacher. She currently serves as the ELA coach and as one of the district’s middle school lead ELA teachers. She also co-sponsors the National Junior Honor Society at Ruston Junior High. Both students and faculty recognize the dedication and impact Waits brings to her work. Ruston Junior High School Principal Keshia Douglas has highlighted the impact that Waits has made on the school over the years.
“I was a part of the hiring committee that brought Sarah to Ruston Jr. High School. Once she and her husband decided to relocate, we were just very impressed with the knowledge she was bringing and we felt that she would be the perfect fit,” Douglas said. “Something that stands out about Sarah is that she takes student’s learning very personally. She makes sure we keep the middle school students on track as they transition into high school. Her dedication to not only academics but also community services is very important to us”
Waits credits her positive experience as a teacher to the support she receives from the Lincoln Parish School Board. She noted that faculty, staff, and educators within the school system work diligently to support one another while also guiding students on their educational journeys. Regarding her recognition as Middle School Teacher of the Year, Waits expressed her gratitude and surprise in receiving the award.
“I was honestly shocked and still am just a little bit, to be named middle school teacher of the year for both my school and the district. Even after getting over the initial shock of being chosen for my school, I never thought that I would be chosen to represent the district as a whole,” Waits said. “I am beyond honored and thankful to be chosen for this role, and I am so excited to be able to represent Lincoln Parish at the state level.”
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