Dusty Spence
Position: ISS Coordinator
School: Blacksburg High School
School District: Montgomery County Public Schools
City, State: BLACKSBURG, VA
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Dusty Spence has been nominated anonymously.
"Ms. Spence is the definition of a LifeChanger! She has taught all of my children over the years, both in a private school and as they have continued virtually in public school, and she has tutored them in college," said the nominator. "Over her decades of teaching in both the private and public sectors (both in person and virtually), she has changed the lives of many students, parents, and future teachers she has mentored. She has taught every grade level over the years and kids across every economic, emotional, and academic spectrum."
"She not only provides her students with information, but she gives them the belief that they can accomplish anything they are determined to work for. Ms. Spence attends after-school activities and sports events, visits homes, and is a partner and advocate for parents. She supports her administration and is the first to assist everyone around her. 'Not my job' is not in her vocabulary. Ms. Spence makes sure each child is remembered, loved, and included. She has provided clothing, gifts, and meals for her students and their extended families," said the nominator.
"When her private school closed due to COVID-19, different schools immediately sought her after. She now taught children virtually across three different school divisions for grades K-8. She is now an integral part of her local high school. She provides a safe place for kids to receive additional one-on-one learning. Parents trust her. Kids adore her. Administration relies on her expertise and knowledge. Student teachers want to shadow and learn from her. She has provided before and after-school programs and summer programming. She makes learning fun, and her students are always active, learning, and involved with giving back to the community," said the nominator.
"Ms. Spence also loves her community. She actively participates in government and civic groups to promote learning and advancement. She has raised two of her own children, who have excelled in their educational endeavors and careers. She is considered a 'mom' to all. Her high standards of learning, character, and morals are respected. She disciplines with love and believes in the hopes and dreams of each child, pushing them to give their best. She is a blessing to all who are lucky to know her. Students adore her, parents love and respect her, faculty appreciate her, and the administration is blessed by her dedication and abilities to teach all students while changing lives daily. She has continued to do this despite her own struggles with blood cancer and health issues over the last several years," said the nominator.
"She is a true LifeChanger! One of my children wants to add that Ms. Spence is one of the most loved teachers at BHS. She provides a safe place for all students to learn and talk about problems, and she helps them to come up with a solution. Ms. Spence not only helped my child pass their classes but also provided the emotional guidance and help they needed to make sound choices and gave advice in every area of their life. She treats every student as if they are the most important person to her, but she holds them to high standards. Ms. Spence helps them with classes but teaches at their own individual levels. She builds her students up daily, and most kids love to see her daily to check-in. They love it when Ms. Spence can sub in their rooms (when available) or proctor testing. She also gives tough love, and the students hate it when they have disappointed her, but she always treats it as a life lesson and makes sure that they learn from it. Ms. Spence makes each student feel loved and secure and makes them feel they can conquer the world. She is there, whether it's through tough love or a shoulder to cry on. Ms. Spence has helped her students in any subject they go to her for and has helped many with extra tutoring or teaching in small groups. She attends sporting events and extra-curricular school activities...you never know when she will show up. Ms. Spence is there for students 24/7. She always has a smile, a kind word, and a loving spirit and heart for everyone," said the nominator.
"She's been teaching forever, and I've had older family members who have had her as a teacher. She is one of the teachers you will remember for a lifetime, and she will remember you. My cousin had her as a kindergarten teacher, and he sent her letters in college and invited her when he graduated with his Master's Degree. She is the one teacher that you remember. When you think of a LifeChanger, you think of her," said the nominator.
I highly recommend Ms Spence for the LifeChanger of the Year award. I meet and talk with her regularly and she is my favorite teacher. She treats all kids like a real person (with feelings and opinions that matter). She helps me by teaching in different ways if I'm not getting the "canned and only way" most teachers teach. You don't even realize you are learning with her, until the lightbulb moment happens. She shows what a truly kid person looks like. I do, and always will, respect her. She has helped me in, and out, of the classroom. She is the best choice for this award.
She is so passionate about her job and the kids. Her organizational skills and attention to detail makes her classroom a place where learning can occur. Her job is tough but she is perfect for it. Her students know exactly what the expectations are and she holds them accountable. She is very respected by students and everyone at the school.
Dusty is a colleague that I know I can trust and depend at all times. She is reliable and consistently comes through whenever needed. Dusty always goes the extra mile to help her students and co-workers.
She is amazing to work with and is a wonderful mentor to the new teachers. She helps students and teachers alike. We are so lucky to have her on our team.
Dusty is fantastic with our kids. She has a wonderful relationship with the students and the staff. She is a go-to for so many people!
Everyday at BHS, Ms. Spence works with students who need continuous reminders or promoting. She organizes and monitors their work loads in a manner that has increased the amount of work that other teachers are receiving back. It's no longer a matter of missing assignments when assigned to ISS. She teaches material, but she makes sure the kids are understanding and returning the work when they are with her. Her experience and ability to nudge students forward has made a huge difference to the students who utilize the space and time she gives. Honestly, ISS is a meaningful and life lesson timeout from the classroom.
Ms Spence Has always been an Amazing Teacher! She's there 24/7 for anyone, shes always been able to calm people down when they are in a stressed state. This past year Ms Spence has helped me a lot with my Mental Health She has always been determined to help her kids and she sets high expectipns for our achievments. I am really blessed to have Someone to talk to this year, She has always been Kind, Patient and carring and Im blessed to have her!!
Ms. Spence is a wonderful support for our students. In her role as ISS coordinator, she often encounters students who are struggling academically or socially. She's able to reach those students where they are and provide whatever it is they need. While ISS can have a negative connotation, many students will go see her on their own just to say hello or have someone to talk to. Ms. Spence gets the best out of her students.
I've worked with Dusty at two different schools (both private and public). She was my mentor as a new teacher, as well as the lead teacher and administrator at a private school. She was also mentored me as a first year teacher in a public school. I was also blessed as she was a teacher for my own children for many years. She is productive, determined, and experienced. She makes learning fun for the kids but she has high expectations - and helps them achieve them. Her knowledge base across the teaching spectrum and as an administrator is amazing. I've been blessed to have learned from her and she is very deserving of this award.
Dusty is patient and kind and works so well with students who are having a hard time. She is nurturing and is so deserving of this award!
I can honestly say with utmost confidence that Dusty is easy going, friendly, and professional. She is a kind and caring individual that is always willing to help students and staff. You would never know her struggles by her upbeat and pleasant personality. She has a very challenging position but she approaches it every day with a smile and positive attitude. She is a joy to be around and would be most deserving of the Lifechanger Award - she changes lives every day!
Mrs Spence is a great teacher. she treats everyone with respect, and we respect her back. she is great at teaching and is great at her job.
Ms. Spence is a highly intelligent and applied women always reaching for her highest potential, she has always proven to be a good teacher as well as very stern with discipline, she has since the first conversation I had with her held my respect as she has always been forward and honest with me, as well as the others I have seen her conversing with. Something most teachers nowadays neglect to be is empathetic towards those around their class, with Ms. Spence respect means respect it's not something just taken into consideration or left as an afterthought, even when she feels bad and doesn't want to be here she still comes in and toughs it out. A woman such a as Ms. Spence is rare in the world today she is enduring, inspiring, she is logical and kind hearted she is a wonderful person to converse with and I am glad to see her hard work being recognized!!
Sincerely John R,L, Price.
She has excellent rapport with the students. She seeks to help them succeed academically. But, she also imparts wisdom in helping guide them to be successful in life after high school. I hope she wins this award because she is a great asset to every school that is blessed to have her.
Dusty has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication to helping students succeed. She always takes the time to help students reach their potential. Her wiliness to take on additional responsibilities and go above and beyond exemplifies the value of her commitment. Dusty has fostered a collaborative, motivated environment for students. She has demonstrated excellence and a strong commitment to educating students. I wholeheartedly believe Dusty is the perfect candidate for the LifeChanger Award.
Ms. Spence is honestly one of the best teachers I mean even tho she is our ISS teacher she is really good at teaching and can explain stuff better then the other teacher. Every time Im in here she is so nice and welcoming, she tells stories about her son and daughter and all of her family. she is someone I can go to and tell her something and I know she will keep that. She is so loving and so trustworthy.
I have the pleasure of working with Dusty Spence. Upon accepting the position of AP Coordinator, Ms. Spence was warm and welcoming. Ms. Spence was the previous AP Coordinator. She shared all of her materials with me to help me transition in a smooth manner. She has done nothing but offered her assistance and expertise. I am truly grateful for her assistance and professionalism.
She has excellent rapport with the students. She seeks to help them succeed academically. But, she also imparts wisdom in helping guide them to be successful in life after high school. I hope she wins this award because she is a great asset to every school that is blessed to have her.
Over the last several years, I've seen her tackle and conquer obstacles that would have killed a normal person. From surviving a near death experience, and dealing with continued health issues, she always arrives with a smile. She is always working, or participating in commitments outside of work. She is a natural leader, and is always there to support others. She leads by example, and will always do the hardest work herself. She always others to shine. You would never know with her energy that she struggles behind that smile. I've seen her adjust to the educational environment from a private school, to online environments, and in public school. Her ability to adjust to circumstances far beyond her control, and to be exactly what the students need, is her gift. Her dedication and love the kids have for her is her driving force. She is a wonderful mom, a great friend, and is active in so many community endeavors as well as church. I've seen her go above and beyond what a normal teacher would do many times. If something is needed, she would come up with a plan to make it happen. She is an amazing woman who has dedicated years with a smile on her face and love in her hears. She is most deserving of this award.
Ms. Spence is one of the greatest iss coordinators ever. I came into bhs with low morale my freshman year and my head was in a bad space the i got caught skipping and went to iss for the first time i thought i would hate it but little did i know i would meet one of the greatest people in the entire school and build one of the most valuable relationships i have during my highschool years.
I haven't been a student with Ms. Spence for several years, but she still stays in touch with me. She is an amazing person. She helped me tremendously as I struggled in high school with home and school life. She takes care of every problem that comes her way calmly and efficiently. She cares and loves her students as her own. She always brightens up the room with her smile...her love shines through. She will drop whatever she is doing to help students and make sure they are on the right track and be successful in life. She loves kids and helps them academically, but more so ... physically and emotionally. She checks on them during and after school if needed and tutors before and after school, even during her own lunch. If she sees someone mad or upset, she intervenes to help them calm down and find peace with their situation. She deserves this award and we need to show her how much we love her.
Ms. Spence has taught all 4 of my children over the course of a decade. If I had the money, I would personally pay her to be my children's personal teacher for the remainder of their years, including college. She is that amazing and truly unforgettable! No one else will ever compare to her in any way...as a teacher or a person. She has become a very close friend over the years, and a close confidant. She gives the most sound advice in the most loving ways, even if you don't want to hear it-you will agree with it. She is someone I strive to become more like, as a parent and a person. I love her with everything in and pray for her health, wealth, and safety on a daily basis. She is my LifeChanger and a winner to all that love her. Phenomenal doesn't even begin to cover her!
Dusty has always been a caring and loving example to her students. I know of her "school" persona, which speaks for itself. Beyond that, her involvement in community is also something to acknowledge. She has served on the City Commission on Youth, she has been beyond active in rec league sports, Community Youth Center, and active in all aspects of church activities for kids (from teaching Sunday School and beyond). She constantly strives to show students how to be the best they can be, and how to handle struggles during challenging times. She loves her job, and it shows to her students and coworkers alike. This is not something that can be faked, this is a calling!
I have known and worked with Dusty for over 30 years. She is one of the kindest people I've known. I've worked with her and have seen the difference she makes daily. She is calm, organized, fair, and will respond to any situation. I've seen her help kids physically hurt, in mental distress, and in need of love. She always steps up. I've seen her respond in public to total strangers (she even gave CPR in a restaurant to a stranger having a medical issue). She is one in a million and we are lucky to have her in our lives. BHS is blessed!
Dusty is one of the kindest people I've ever met. She is an amazing teacher, but more...she guides students, and helps them prepare to be a better person. She doesn't just set them up to fail, she is there to make sure they succeed. She is an advocate for her students, and partner to the parents, and a wonderful assett to her school. She is a support system to everyone. No other is more deserving to win this award than Dusty!
Ms. Spence goes above and beyond for all the students and expects the best of them. She is an amazing educator and person, who in the face of a challenging situation, finds the solution that is best for the individual student and implements it immediately. She is absolutely amazing to work with, and I'm luck to have her as a friend.
She is an amazing teacher and person. My girls loved her as a teacher and I loved my kids having her. I knew my kids were safe and she had everything under control, and would keep them on point with no slacking grades. She is a very kind and thoughtful person. She is very loved....she never meets a stranger!
Ms. Spence was the best teacher my child has had. She takes her time for both students and parents. As a single parent, it is hard to stay on track and be 100% of everything for our kids. She helps everyone stay on track - her organizational skills can't be touched. Whether it was homework, behavior, or just a "venting" session, she was my guide for many years. Even though my child aged out of her care, she is still there, still communicates and checks on us, and helps when needed. She will always be a fixture in our family. Once she teaches your child, is a teacher for life. She instills everything good in our kids, gives everyone hope, and we are blessed. She must win this award!
ms Spence is a good teacher she's nice to her students she keeps people on track without gitting mad and she helps her students out in any way she can
Ms. Spence is a compassionate and dedicated ISS teacher who always goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates a calm and structured environment that helps students reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes. With her patience and understanding, Ms. Spence encourages positive behavior while fostering personal growth. Her fair and consistent approach makes her a respected figure in the school community.
Dusty is an amazing person and is fantastic to work for. I've seen her handle so many situations, scenarios, and challenges with grace and leadership. The kids view her not only as a teacher, but a mentor. Parents look to her as a confidant, friend, and trusted guide. Co-workers look to her for her experience and how to maneuver in this ever-changing, and difficult job. Her unique style and abilities goes above and beyond what is asked. She brings it 100% everyday, with a smile and spirit that won't let anyone give up.
I've watched this woman for years pour her heart, sweat, and tears into these kids. I've seen her teach all day, go to after school activities, participate in search parties, sit by hospital beds. I've seen her counsel students and parents that were at their breaking points. She has been there to tutor and comfort in ways that only she can. She is tough love and has high expectations for everyone around her - yet she is gentle and does this in such a way that everyone wants to rise to the challenge to succeed and do better. She turns kids around that have been labeled by society. She makes them love learning. During the pandemic, I've seen her zoom from home, hold classes outside, and go into homes to teach. I've seen her hold children until they are calm. When no one else can break through, she does. A trip out to the store or dinner will eventually end with kids that have ran into her and time spent chatting with parents, or just community and church folks. Once a child is in her class, they are her kids forever. She does all this while being a wonderful mom to her own kids, active in the community and church, helping me with my own business, and always being there for others. She has done while being employed full-time and fighting health issues relating to chronic leukemia. This woman is the definition of "LifeChanger". She has been nominated for this award several times and it is now time we give her this award!
My daughter adores Ms. Spence. She goes the extra mile to provide fun, yet educational activities. She was always there to help in any way possible for her and me. Every school and summer program has been blessed under her leadership.
Dusty is a great teacher! She pushed my kids to work hard, learn the basics, and to use their own mind. They made wonderful grades with her as she made learning fun. She tutors, and makes sure the kids understand what is being taught. She not only teaches academics, but she goes above and beyond with citizenship, manners, etc. She teaches the entire spectrum and makes kids want to learn and do better.
Congrats Dusty! A well deserved honor..our youth need more teachers with your dedication. You have consistently done this for many, many years, and you only get better!
There is no one more deserving of this award than Dusty! Her dedication to our young people is unmatched-both inside and outside the classroom. She takes her love of the profession, and the her of love of the kids outside the classroom to the home of the families. In today's world, that is rare. Each child who has had the privilege to be taught, guided, and loved by Dusty are truly blessed.
In all my years in education, Dusty is one of the most dedicated teachers I've ever met. She goes above and beyond to give the students the best learning experience possible. She has suffered medical setbacks since the pandemic, which most would not have survived, much less continue working. Her concern has not been for herself, but for doing what she was called to do, and what is best for her students. She is not your 8am-3pm teacher. I have seen her collect items, raise money, and be there for her students and families. I've seen her tutor kids, spending her nights and weekends (working around the parent schedules). I've seen her at extracurricular activities...all of this above and beyond her own family over the years. Her energy is always high, and her smile and personality is contagious. She always finds the blessings around her, and you automatically become happy when around her.
Congrats Ms. Spence! You deserve this, and so much more. You are awesome at what you do. I appreciate all you have helped me and my kids with over the years. BHS is blessed to have you there. Keep up the great work!
Dusty is one of the greatest influences a student could have. As a young teacher, she guided and molded me to become the teacher I strive to be. She is a great role model for students and teachers alike. She's dedicated to the kids, the school, the parents, her coworkers, and friends and family. She has so much knowledge about teaching, behavior, needs, ..., the list goes on. She is blessing and I am blessed to have her as a mentor and friend.
I have known Dusty for many years (both professionally and personally) and I have always admired her passion that she has for teaching. She always goes above and beyond to make the sure the needs of the children are met in everyway - physically, academically, and spiritually. She is a safe space both at school and outside the classroom. She cares for the whole well being of the child. I have admired her ability to adapt to an ever changing world and classroom environment. There is a tireless energy about her that she builds in others. She is able to remain focused and dedicated to her students, even when there is chaos around. She has the ability to calm both the mind and spirit. In a world that sees many people give "just enough" and be the status quo, she never settles and never quits. Dusty goes above and beyond as a teacher, a mom, and as a leader in the church and community. She is worthy of recognition as a life changer. I believe this is because she gives selflessly and has a heart to the others benefit and grow. She will always be the positive light in any room.
I can think of no one more deserving of this award. She has been a life-long friend and she has always been a beacon of light and positivity. She offers love, learning, and friendship to everyone. Anyone that knows her, already knows she is a LifeChanger!
Dusty has devoted her professional life to children by teaching academics and modeling the way to care for others. She is well loved by her students because they know she loves them. Building relationships with children is critical to being able to help them learn and grow. Dusty continues to bring those skills to her job every single day. I am a teacher, and taught her children, served and volunteered in every capacity possible. Her own children modeled her behavior by both pursuing academic careers. She talks the talk and walks the walk.
Dusty is not only an amazing teacher, but a wonderful friend. She has overcome many obstacles over the last several years that most people would not have even survived. She faced these with grace, strength, and a spirit of being blessed (and sharing this blessing with others). Teaching, and being there for all those around her is a priority, regardless of her own storms in life. She is very dedicated and puts her soul into all she does. She is a wonderful mother (her own children are the best adults and are the rubies in her crown). She is a spiritual anchor that you want to go to war with, not against. She gives and helps everyone. This award could not go to a better woman!
Ms. Spence dedicates so much of herself to ensuring the success of her students. During times of adversity is where she steps up and shines, showing more determination than ever. She always finds a way through an obstacle.. and she brings everyone with her (sometimes kicking and screaming). She performs the job of 20 people, with grace and knowledge. She should be celebrated, applauded. She is awesome and we love her!
Ms. Dusty has been "my person" for over a decade. We originally met when I was in a very dark time in my life. I was away from my family, and in college. She has been my rock, my second mom, my mentor, and my friend. She was just a miracle for me. She helped me not only graduate college, but trained me to be the best teacher I could be. She has trained and mentored so many teachers, co-workers, as well as all her students. She is creative, devoted, and the most passionate teacher I have ever met. She makes me want to be a better teacher every day. There is nothing can break her organization methods, her spirit, or her love for all students and just people in general. You can't be shy with you, she will make you talk, come out of your shell, and find your passion. She is well-rounded, bubbly, and nothing can stop her. I believe she should win this because SHE IS A LIFECHANGER. No one fits this better than Momma D!
She is called many endearing names by those that love her...daughter, mom, teacher, advocate, advisor, etc. All reflect just how deserving she is of this honor. She has always gone the extra mile to be sure her students are getting the education and the love they need to get them thru either the hour, day, or week at a time that they need. She feeds both the mind and spirit. She has faced so many health challenges of her own, and since the pandemic, and in spite of the stress and struggles, she has always went above and beyond for her kids. She is very determined to be there for them in every capacity needed. She is the calm in the storm and helps them overcome challenges. She is a very deserving candidate.
She is most deserving of this award. She's not only the best mom to her kids, but is a mom to all her students. She has overcame every obstacle and situation that has been thrown her way. She is strong willed, filled with love and always has a smile. She is tough, has high expectations, but is there to help you meet those expectations. She is very strong, determined, and give all the children what they need...day in and day out.
Dusty has made a huge impact on by my son, and myself. I have struggled as a single mom and she was walked me thru issues, made contacts for me, and gave me (or got me) the help I needed. She helped my son come out of his shell and thrive in a learning environment that builds his mind and spirit. He loved having her as a teacher. She has gone above and beyond for the students and the parents and we all want her to win this award.
