Sharon Vaughn "Miss V"
Teacher — Crestwood, IL
I’ve been teaching at Ombudsman for 8 years now. Every day is different and that’s what I like about it. These kids really challenge me and keep me going. It’s really nice to work with them in three-hour sessions, because they can get individualized help. The classes are small enough that we can work with them one on one. A lot of kids can’t sit all day long, so this is a great fit for them. With such a flexible schedule, some kids are able to work, some even full time.
I'm hard because I truly love these kids. I love my job. I really do.
—Miss V
There are some kids you come across and you don’t think they will make it. And it’s hard. But they do. You’ll hear some kids say, “Yeah, Miss V is hard, but she’s alright.” They do appreciate us and they know we care. You know you did something right when you’re one of the first people that student wants to hug after graduating. You’re the one they hated all year, but then the first one they thank when they get that diploma.
I’m hard because I truly love these kids. I love my job. I really do. Take some of our toughest cases. These are usually the ones who end up seeing the real benefits in the long run. They couldn’t stand being there, but when they’re long gone, they still stop by just to say hi. That’s when you know you’ve done something right.