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Nancy Petit has devoted two decades to helping children overcome obstacles. She is a speech and language pathologist in the Appleton School District. |
She helps children overcome obstacles in speech, language
What do you believe about teaching? As a special education teacher, it is my job to build on what my students know and help them expand their knowledge and skills in order to become students that are even more successful and better communicators. It is my job to find what works best for them, not their job as a student to meet my expectations of how they should learn. Family : I have been married for 25 years to my husband Greg. We have two children, Grayson, 13, and Brielle, 10. We also have 3 dogs. Our house is never dull or quiet! Active volunteer: My husband and I are Habitat Partners in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. I also am the Vice President of my children's PTO and run many fund raisers such as light bulb sales and t-shirt orders. Hobbies: Hiking out West, biking, playing with my dogs and kids, reading, and working with native plants in the yard to attract birds and other wild life. I also have a part time job at The Wild Bird and Backyard store in Appleton. I think the owner felt sorry for me since I was spending so much money in his shop. What first drew you to the field of education? I had wanted to do something with children and the idea of speech and language development intrigued me. I enjoyed science and there is a lot of this involved with respiratory control, nerve intervention as well as memory and the mind. |
Nancy Petit has devoted two decades to helping children overcome obstacles. Stuttering, voice disorders and other speech impediments can close the door of communication to some children, causing them to retreat into silence. That can hurt them socially, in school, and later in life. As a speech and language pathologist, Petit works daily to pave the road to confidence.
“Communication skills are the essential component for all of the building blocks of education,” Petit said. “Without language there is no reading, math or writing. Good communication skills are necessary in our daily life to get our ideas across, seek help, and build relationships.”
For those reasons, Petit finds fulfillment in her work at Lincoln Elementary School in Appleton . “When my students feel good about themselves and can express themselves clearly, it is all worth it,” Petit said.
Petit said building children up in a safe, secure atmosphere is a goal of hers as an educator. That confidence instilled in young children will follow students into adulthood. “It isn't always the grade the students earn, but how they feel about what they are able to accomplish now and in the future,” she said.
Children whom Petit has helped over the years are known to come back with thanks for her work in their lives. Former students, parents and colleagues also nominated her for a Mielke Educator Award last , which recognizes outstanding educators in the Appleton Area School District .
“I felt like I had made a difference in the lives of those I worked with directly and the friendships I made along the way,” Petit said of the nomination.
Petit appreciates the complexity of her field and is intrigued by the science of respiratory control and nerve intervention, as well as memory and the mind. But it's the idea that a single child's life can be changed through this science that most appeals to Petit.
“My teaching philosophy begins with the concept of individuality,” Petit said. “To be effective in helping students realize their potential, I must start where each child is currently at in their skill and development level. Each child brings a unique history and background knowledge with them when they come to school. I need to listen to them and provide opportunities for them to reach their maximum potential.”
WEAC’s Great Schools Member Spotlight features WEAC members who are making a difference in the lives of others every day in their schools and communities. Member Spotlight profiles appear on OnWEAC, and one profile is selected each month for the OnWEAC In Print newspaper. To submit a suggestion for a Member Spotlight candidate, send an e-mail to the WEAC Public Relations Department.
Posted March 5, 2008
