Caroline Teague '08 is teaching in Scotland
Posted on September 28, 2011
Caroline Teague ’08 is teaching at Spark of Genius, an independent behavioral management high school in Scotland. Here is what she has to say about her experience: “Each student that comes to us has complex educational, behavioral and emotional support needs. Many live within the foster care system and of those that do not, many will be placed in alternative care during their time at Spark of Genius. For many students that attend, our school is the one stable force in their lives. While my job technically encompasses only the teaching and developing of new curriculum for the social sciences, it invariably extends to much more. With a small student body and only twelve faculty members we are a tight-knit team, working with students that have been ostracized from almost every aspect of their community. Many of my students, at twelve years old, already have criminal records. These are students that are challenged to see the value of an education and yet desperately desire the escape that educational opportunities will offer them from their current situations. Academically and emotionally, it is not an easy job, but it is extremely gratifying to work with young people who truly need guidance and support. I was blessed with a supportive family and an excellent education, both in my hometown and at Wheaton. Even on the worst days, when I’ve had to phone for police assistance, I am still grateful to be working in a school where I have the daily opportunity to really make a difference in someone’s life and to give something back to a community of people that truly need it.
