Congratulations to December’s KFM Teacher of the Month – Sara Tessier – a Special Education teacher at Knoxville High School. Sara was nominated by Nikki Fields who’s son is a student in Sara’s class. Here’s a little bit about Sara:
Where did you grow up? I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to Galesburg my sophomore year of high school.
How many years teaching? This is my 11th year teaching, and my 10th in Knoxville.
Favorite subject growing up? English and Literature
Favorite subject to teach? Even though math was a weakness when I was in school, algebra and geometry have been my favorite to teach the past few years.
Favorite Book? That’s tough…I love historical fiction especially by Kristin Hannah. I also love murder and mahem thrillers, and the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich is hysterical.
Favorite Food? Mexican Food
Least Favorite Food? I don’t have one!
Favorite Movie? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Favorite TV show? Schitt’s Creek
Favorite Sports Team? Chicago Cubs
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spend time with my kids, read (especially summer book club with my teacher friends), and I love to cook.
Something about you that people may not know: I repeated the third grade.
Here’s what Nikki had to say about Sara:
What sets this teacher apart from others?
Sara has been a huge blessing for our family. My son Cody Fields was diagnosed with Leukemia on October 9th 2019. He has a reading comprehensive problem that requires a little extra help. Mrs. Tessier is that help at KHS. My sons illness caused us to move to St. Jude in Memphis TN for cancer treatment. Sara Tessier jumped right in with the teachers provided by the hospital to help the sick kids continue school through their awful illness. She would send work for Cody to the hospital and the schooling program would follow her lead so Cody was not getting completely behind in school. We returned home on January 20th of 2020 and again Mrs. Tessier was right here willing to go the extra mile and she home schooled Cody for about two years. She came to our home after school 3 times a week and single handedly got him through the 10 and 11 grade. Cody is now a senior at KHS and attending school in person. Mrs. Tessier is still with him and we are grateful.
What is one thing this teacher does that is not in their job description but they do it anyway to help you or your child?
During the 2 years of home schooling she was there for not only him but for me as well. She would sit and listen to my problems she’s cried with me laughed with me and beena Rock for my son through the toughest fight I pray we ever have to fight.
Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child.
Sara Tessier is the reason that Cody has made it through high school during this cancer journey and when he gets his high school diploma this spring Sara will be the one who is to thank for that. We love her and I cannot believe that you are going to get a nomination for a teacher that is more deserving of this award than her.
As KFM’s December’s Teacher of the Month, Sara wins the Big Red Apple Award, a $100 gift card and bouquet. Congratulations Sara Tessier from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Cooks-n-Company, Lacky Monuments and 105.3 KFM
