Meet the teachers whose calling goes beyond the classroom
As I reflect on the vibrant life within our classrooms, I’m reminded of the unique intersection where calling meets vocation—a space where purpose, passion, and commitment intertwine to create something truly beautiful. For the teachers at Charlotte Mason, this intersection is more than a choice; it’s a journey of grace, growth, and profound dedication to the lives of our students.
Our teachers, like many of us, came to this vocation with hearts that yearned to serve, teach, and inspire. Each brings their own story, woven with experiences, dreams, and talents they’ve chosen to share with this community. They find joy not merely in teaching academic subjects but in guiding our students through the deeper questions of life, wonder, and character. Through laughter, questions, and the quiet moments of understanding, they become mentors in ways words often fail to capture.
One of our beloved teachers and co-founders, Therese Racklyeft, captured this spirit so well when she shared her story:
"Charlotte Mason said, 'Education is the science of relations.' In my experience, as a classroom teacher at CMCS, I often found that some students who really struggled in a subject needed a lot of individual attention. I knew the families did not have funds for tutors but wanted to help. Therefore, I have spent several summers working with students individually in math.
One student, J, often melted down during math class, due to his frustration. This poor child even pulled his hair out. I worked with him for a summer, meeting at the Detroit Public Library, and just tried to build a relationship with him so that he would be willing to work together. That fall, the classroom was much more peaceful, and J made more progress in math.I have done the same with several other students, and it has meant that they were able to keep up with classmates more readily. We are called, I believe, to invest in these relationships, to help students flourish. I know not every teacher can tutor for free. I was able to do it and felt that it was sowing seeds that would bear fruit later."
Our community is built on the selfless dedication of teachers who often give without expectation of reward. Several teachers on staff currently face their own personal struggles, including health issues, yet they continue to serve because of their commitment to our mission and the children they teach. One teacher, who has quietly faced ongoing health challenges without the benefit of insurance, often says, “Being here, doing this work, gives me purpose.” Despite the hardship, this teacher shows up daily, determined to bring light, laughter, and learning to the students. Her perseverance and steadfast love for our school and its students are an enduring source of inspiration.
In their daily rhythms—whether reading a story that sparks a new question or guiding a student’s first attempts at exploration—our teachers live in the fullness of their calling. It’s in the small, sacred moments: a child’s newfound confidence in her own ideas, the peace that comes from a safe classroom space, and the spark of wonder when learning transforms into discovery. Our teachers give their whole selves, knowing that true education begins with love and is sustained by a vision for each child's unique journey.
This year, I am continually awed by the lengths to which our educators go, embracing the challenges and blessings of their work with a spirit of steadfastness and joy. It is not a small thing to be both guide and friend, to sow seeds that will one day blossom in ways we can only imagine.
To be a teacher here at Charlotte Mason is to stand at the heart of a community rooted in shared values and dedicated to shaping a world of kindness, wisdom, and integrity. It’s a blessing to watch these remarkable individuals live out their calling in our classrooms, day after day, pouring their hearts into every lesson, every word, and every student.
As we continue this journey, I invite you to hold our teachers in your thoughts and prayers, to see them as I do—walking the path of both calling and vocation, with courage, humility, and boundless love. They are a gift to our school and to every student they teach, lighting the way forward with grace.
Thank you for being part of our community, for believing in our mission, and for walking alongside us.
With a grateful heart,
Shanna Sansom
Executive Director,
Charlotte Mason Community School
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