Congratulations to Linda White, who, by vote of the SSCA faculty, is the winner of this year’s SSCA Teaching Award!  The award will be given at the We Believe Banquet on May 9.

We are thrilled to celebrate Mrs. White, who is universally loved as a teacher, valued as a colleague, and respected as a leader at SSCA.

Current SSCA upperclassmen who had Mrs. White back in fourth grade allude to “The Myth of Mrs. White” – that she was seen by younger students as “The Enforcer.”  “I was scared of her,” said one senior, “but when I got to her class, I loved her!”  She lives up to her reputation as a strict teacher, “but she would tell you the reasons behind her expectations.”  In fact, her respect for her students is what these high schoolers best remember.  “She treated us like human beings with our own minds,” one reflected.  She allows students to exercise agency and make decisions in the classroom, even when that means taking risks and making mistakes – and this is a powerful way for students to learn and grow.  “She was confident – she always knew exactly what to do,” said one high schooler.  And when a student runs into difficulty, she encourages them through it.  “She doesn’t take no for an answer,” said a senior.  “When I wanted to give up, she made sure I kept at it until I could do it.”  

In Mrs. White’s class, learning is about “hard work balanced with fun,” like doing a dance to help memorize Latin grammar.  “Funny” and “fun” are words frequently used to describe Mrs. White.  She makes it obvious to all her students that “she cares a lot about us.  She got to know us as individuals – as a person – not just as a student.”  One high school student, who entered SSCA as a new fourth grader, reflected that “Mrs. White made me feel so welcome – like her own child.”  Another remembered Mrs. White’s remedy for hiccups – a lollipop!  Students continue to hold Mrs. White’s advice in high regard, even years later.

Reflections by Mrs. White’s teaching colleagues reflect similar themes: hard work, dedication, and professionalism balanced by joy and humor.  They describe her as a “gifted educator” and an “amazing person” who is “creative,” “thoughtful,” “professional,” and “wise,” but also “playful” and “funny.”

As the Lower School divisional leader, “Linda encourages you to accomplish things she knows are important to you,” reflects one colleague.  “She does this while also being the most supportive friend, and reminding you to take care of yourself. Linda always listens and gives sound “been there” advice. I am so thankful for her friendship.”  Another adds that Mrs. White “always lends an ear to listen…and always works tirelessly to find a solution. She’s a comforting and reliable ally that keeps the lower school teachers united.”  As a leader, Mrs. White “gives her all.  She is definitely a team player. She thinks of others over herself.”

And, of course, every day and every challenge is approached with Mrs. White’s signature sense of humor.  “I love her sense of humor in every situation,” says a fellow teacher.  “She’s a joyful person! She reminds me of Philippians 4:4  – Rejoice always, I will say it again, Rejoice! She makes me laugh and I love to laugh! I will always remember last year’s field day when she started dancing and just kept on dancing even when no one was courageous enough to join her!!”  “She keeps me motivated,” says another, “and when you need a good laugh, you can always count on her to do the job.”

We are so thankful for you, Mrs. White!

The SSCA Teaching Award recognizes an SSCA educator whose work and character vibrantly exhibit our shared Characteristics of Professional Excellence.  This teacher consistently demonstrates through words and actions an active commitment to the school and its mission, to colleagues, and to students.  He or she exhibits an obvious enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and the content they teach.  This individual demonstrates an earnest desire that his or her students would grow in truth, knowledge, spiritual maturity, and Christian character, and this teacher brings to bear the remarkable skills needed to accomplish that work.