CONGRATULATIONS DONNA FOOTER - STAFF SPOTLIGHT!!!
Donna Footer's journey as an educator began in her hometown of Melrose, Massachusetts, where she attended the local schools. From a young age, Donna knew she wanted to become a teacher and this was a dream that became a goal in the third grade. Growing up in a close-knit community, Donna witnessed the impact that her own teachers had on herself and other young learners.
After high school graduation, Donna moved to Maine and attended the University of Maine at Farmington from 1977-1981. After spending many summers in Maine with family and attending school here, Donna knew she wanted to make Maine her home. She started teaching Adult Education in Rangeley in 1983. Donna then became a Title 1 teacher and continued to teach in Rangeley for another three years. Jacqueline Curley, a friend who taught art in Rangeley and in Wiscasset, told Donna about a teaching position that became available at the former Wiscasset Primary School. Donna was hired to fill that position in 1987. She then moved to Wiscasset and continued her teaching career here. Her time in Wiscasset has included work with Title 1 and grades K, 1, 2 and 3. Donna loves teaching students of all ages and nothing is more rewarding than witnessing those early moments when children first realize they can read independently.
Donna has formed lasting relationships with her students and their families. She enjoys living in the same community in which she teaches. Over the years she has watched her students grow from curious children into capable young adults. Being able to see the kids come to her door for trick or
treating at Halloween and being able to catch up with former students around town have been the perks of living in the community she teaches in. She has found little notes, rocks, gifts and fan mail on her doorstep. Living in a small town and getting to know students and their families personally is priceless and these enduring bonds are treasures she will always hold dear.
Donna has learned much from her fellow teachers over the years. Virginia Kane (former WPS 1st grade teacher) had some sage advice early on: “Just make them want to come back". This became Donna's goal. No matter how challenging a day might be, she strives to create a space where students feel safe, nurtured, and eager to return the next morning.
When asked what Donna feels is the biggest change or challenge she has experienced in her 41 years of teaching, she says that the world has gotten busier and the fallout trickles down to the kids. Life is busier and more demanding for families than it used to be. Bedtime routines and home literacy time are very important for student success at school. There are many high stakes problems today as well. Food insecurity is also a real concern in communities. All of these struggles are things we have to continue to work on. Donna believes that families and school communities working together as a team can help our kids be prepared for success. Children need help from their home and school to guide them to be problem solvers and good decision makers as they move into adulthood.
Donna has tried to make her classroom a “worry free” zone which has a calm and supportive environment with the expected daily routines. Consistent routines and expectations are something her students can count on. As the years pass, Donna finds herself not just imparting knowledge, but also gaining invaluable wisdom from the students themselves. Children have an innocent curiosity, resilience, and unique perspective. Seeing the world through their eyes is what all teachers love about teaching.
Donna appreciates the cohesiveness of the staff here at WES that she works with and feels that their shared concern for the students makes a difference. Teaching is hard work but doing it together makes the load lighter and easier to bear.
In the past, Donna has taught summer school with Prue Warner, a retired second grade teacher from WPS. Years ago at WPS Donna, Trae Stover, Mona Schlein and Sandra Pye collaborated with the Morris Farm to create an annual Harvest Meal which fully integrated science and social studies including: hands on activities, interesting projects and specific teacher made assessments/rubrics. Donna has been on the Certification Committee as well as a member of Partners in Education (PIE). She was a member of the Wiscasset Female Charitable Society. Donna and Trae Stover were annual guest readers at the Wiscasset Public Library for the summer library program.
Donna’s involvement with the Wiscasset Garden Club volunteers has meshed with the science curriculum at WES. She is the school liaison to the Garden Club members Jan
Whitfield, Chris Grosser and Susan Atwood, among others. Students in all grade levels have jobs in the garden which is located behind the Elementary School. Social Studies topics have been incorporated into this project. Fifth grade soil testing, multi grade learning and garden fun make the WES garden a learning project for all. The indigenous Three Sisters Garden (corn, squash and beans), milkweed plants and vegetables are some of the stars of the garden. The WES garden is located just behind the elementary school and is accessible to all. Again, the collaboration of the Garden Club, Morris Farm educators, students and teachers has blossomed into a vibrant garden of growth and learning.
Donna participated in the collaboration between WPS/WES and the Wiscasset Community Center for student swim lessons. This work, begun by Linda Hanson and the WCC aquatics department, became part of the P.E. program. This activity required much fundraising and assistance from the Partners In Education, teachers, parents and outside donations from businesses. It provides swim lessons for students in grades 1-4. Living in a coastal town, Donna agrees that the importance of learning how to swim is significant to the safety of students.
Donna has one daughter, Carolyn Footer, who attended the Wiscasset School System and graduated from WHS in 2012. Carolyn now lives in Bath with her fiance, Jacob Tidd and their 3 year old daughter, Georgia. Donna loves having her father, daughter, aunts, uncles and cousins close by and she gets to enjoy their company often. In the summer, Donna
revisits Rangeley, escapes to Small Point and loves to visit her old friends from her hometown in Massachusetts.
Donna’s “bucket list” after retirement includes exploring the many corners of Maine while visiting and learning about some of the traditional general stores and the very old churches and cemeteries in our state. She intends to visit Campobello Island (location of Roosevelt summer home) and intends to experience other types of travel.
She will spend time gardening, reading and will volunteer her time to WES. She is very excited to spend time with her granddaughter, Georgia. She hopes that hanging out with this busy youngster will keep her young!
As Donna Footer embarks on her well-deserved retirement after 41 years of teaching, she leaves behind a profound legacy. Countless students have been shaped by her nurturing guidance. Donna hopes that students were enriched by the experience she created within her classroom walls. Daily life will change after retirement, but Donna hopes to be an advocate for schools. Schools must evolve and work to be better every day. Great schools are positive and kind to all who enter. Healthy schools work on shared goals for the growth and well being of students. This work of raising healthy, positive and productive children is everyone’s responsibility and Donna has spent her life working to do so.
We are proud to announce that Donna Footer is our staff Spotlight for April/May. We wish you many adventures and thank you for all of your amazing years of service to Wiscasset!
