Full Circle Classrooms: Yesterday's Teachers, Today's Teammates

We love when it all comes full circle! In a new series called “Full Circle Classrooms,” we’re featuring the unique stories of Lakota teachers now teaching alongside their former students. Check out these heartwarming stories of Thunderhawks and Firebirds who spread their wings to return home and give back alongside the people who inspired them most.

Heritage is Where the Heart’s At: McKenna Walters & Jessica Epstein

Meet Heritage kindergarten teacher McKenna Walters, once a Lakota student. Even more special though? She's now teaching alongside her former first grade teacher, Jessica Epstein! 

Back then, Mrs. Epstein saw something special in McKenna: “McKenna was one of my very first students at Wyandot when the building opened! She was brilliant, inquisitive and kind—teaching was in her blood even then. Most of all, I remember her love of learning.” 

McKenna has fond memories of Mrs. Epstein too: “I remember the strong school community. Even as a six-year-old, I could tell Lakota was a special place! Mrs. Epstein was so kind, creative and passionate. I still remember how excited I was to read to her or work in small groups. I wanted to be the same positive light that Mrs. Epstein was for me."

Fast forward to today and their respect and adoration for each other is just as strong. Jessica describes McKenna as "patient, creative and clever" and a personal motivator to be her best every day to the students she works with as a reading specialist. As for McKenna: "I love working with Mrs. Epstein because of her positivity! She is such a great listener and checks in on me." 

And yes...to McKenna, Jessica will forever be Mrs. Epstein! "When I see her in the hallway, I still have the “celebrity sighting” feeling that I always had when I ran into teachers as a student!"

Long Live Liberty Junior: McKenzie Cisneros & Amy Drouhard

When 21-year science teacher Amy Drouhard found out her former student, McKenzie Cisneros, would be joining her teaching team at Liberty Junior, her first thought was, "Man I'm so old!"

Four years into that arrangement, Amy wouldn't have it any other way. "It is hard to put into words how important your teaching team is to your daily work — her support, collaboration, and shared moments make all the difference to me and our team," she said. "Although she was a great student, she is an even better colleague, and I’m grateful to now call her a friend. 

McKenzie had such a positive experience at Liberty and LJS as a student that she couldn’t help but return home to make her own lasting impact on future generations. “I love the close-knit community that Lakota and Liberty bring,” she said.

McKenzie may have found her niche in English language arts, but still turns to Amy often for insights and suggestions. Her feelings for their tight-knit team are mutual. "We genuinely enjoy each other's company and have built a strong support system. Whether we're figuring out a challenging situation or deciding who is picking up Friday's Starbucks that week, we know we can count on one another."

Fly Away Home: Freedom’s Delaney Foltyn & Kim Snider

Freedom Elementary teacher Kim Snider still remembers the 10-year-old version of her colleague, Delaney Foltyn. In fact, she sticks to the same phrase when describing her now that is her teaching partner: ROCK SOLID!

Remembering the quiet strength she had even as a 10-year-old, Kim's reaction to Delaney's name showing up in Freedom's candidate pool several years ago: "Well, that's a no brainer! Hire her immediately!" She knew they'd be getting the "best of the best" and says that intuition is validated with every interaction she has with Delaney's current students. 

Delaney's admiration for her former teacher is mutual. "Having her as a teaching partner, I appreciate her teaching style even more, if that's even possible," she says, acknowledging Mrs. Snider's ability to make Freedom feel like a "home away from home" for all her students. In fact, she and many others were Delaney's inspiration to pursue teaching as a career.

And whether she knows it or not, Kim continues to be a constant source of inspiration and growth. Delaney strives to create the same positive and welcoming environment for her students that she remembers fondly and now witnesses on a daily basis. 

But Delaney isn't the only one watching. Seeing Delaney step into leadership roles, most recently with Freedom's Student Council, Kim says she is filled with a sense of "peace and happiness" as she winds down her own teaching career. "I am more than confident that my 'student' will be a far more impactful educator than I ever was!"

These stories have already been shared on Lakota’s social media channels, but be on the lookout for more in the coming weeks. Find them all by searching #FullCircleClassrooms!