Special Education Teacher Sarah Latchford is a motivating teacher who provides her students a helpful hand when they need it. She is incredibly understanding and patient, leaving a lasting impact on those she interacts with.
Junior Destiny Teeters enjoys having Latchford as a teacher. “She is sweet, and kind, and she helps with work if you need it. She will take the time to help you with anything,” said Teeters.
Latchford also helps coach the Tyrone Unified Bocce Team, which just placed second in their final districts tournament in their second season of play.
Freshman Emma Myers, a member of the Unified Bocce team, loves having Latchford as a coach.
“She is a great coach and always lends a helping hand. She is also very good at ensuring everyone is included,” said Myers.
What inspired you to go into teaching and/or choose the subject you teach?
In high school, I never thought I would become a teacher. I had the chance to participate in a college program called “America Reads” where I went into a classroom with a higher special education population to help students learn to read. I loved helping the students and connecting with them. I found it to be very fulfilling. I quickly changed my major from accounting to special education.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is teaching students the values of life and watching them grow from ninth grade to twelfth grade. They become my “children” at school. I enjoy watching them succeed in and out of school.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy gardening and being outdoors. My kids are involved in a lot, so I stay busy attending their events.
What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
The best advice is to make connections with the students. Every student has a gift and sometimes we need to help them find it.
What is the hardest part of teaching and why?
The most difficult part of teaching for me would be helping students and not feeling appreciated.
What are some of the jobs you held before getting into teaching?
I started teaching as soon as I graduated. Before I graduated, I did a lot of babysitting.
What is your best advice to students?
My best advice to students is to be kind to everyone. You never know who you will need in the future. Kindness is everything!
