Dusty Spence
Position: Teacher and ISS Coordinator
School: Blacksburg High School
School District: Montgomery County Public School System
City, State: Blacksburg, VA
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Music that Describes Dusty
Dusty Spence was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.
When you say the word "LifeChanger", Ms. Spence comes to mind. Over her decades of teaching in both the private and public sector, she has changed the lives of so many students, parents, and future teachers she has mentored. She has taught every grade level over the years, as well as 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.
Ms. Spence makes sure each child is remembered, loved, and included. She has provided clothing, gifts, and meals, not only for her students, but their extended families. When her private school closed due to COVID-19, she was immediately sought after for different schools. She now teaches children virtually across three different school divisions. 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 provides 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.
Ms. Spence also loves her community. She is very active in government and civic groups to promote learning and advancement. Her two grown, successful children have received their college degrees and are thriving. Now, she is the mom to all children who are in her room. Her high standards of learning, character, and morals are respected. She disciplines with love and 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.
I think everyone should vote for Ms. Spence because, she is an amazing person and takes care of every problem that comes her way calmly and efficiently. She cares and loves her students that come along. She is the best person to be around and she always brightens up the room with her lovely smile. She will drop her problems to help studnets and make sure that they are on the right track to becoming successful in life. Not only does she love and care for all of her students, but she also checks on them throughout the day and even after school. Not only does she make sure the kids on the right track to becoming successful in life but she also makes sure they are ok physically and mentally. If she sees someone upset or mad, she calms them down and helps them find solutions and come to peace with situations. She is the best and most amazing person and I believe she deserves this award that she's been nominated for. Let's show her love!
Ms. Spence is a valuable part of the Blacksburg High School community. She is a great team member all around. Ms. Spence has also strived to build relationships with students she encounters daily. I have witnessed Ms. Spence connect to so many students in unique situations in order to help them. With these qualities, I feel as though Ms. Spence is a true Life Changer.
Ms. Spence is the most amazing woman and the best teacher I've ever had. She listens to the students and helps us in any way possible. She is always there to explain work and reteach what we need. She listens and cares for us. If we are goijng through problems, she will listen and talk about different strategies and help us come to a solution without just telling us what to do and that's really how you learn. She teaches us where to look, but not what to look for. She is very intelligent, but also very wise in how she gives us information. She doesn't treat us as if we were just a number walking around the school. She gives incentives for good work and behavior changes. She makes you want to be a better student and a better person. If you asked anyone who their favorite teacher is at BHS, it would be her. I hope the school system knows and realizes how lucky they are to have her...she is one in a million and I will remember her always.
She helps every single student she can. She always treats students likes people and teaches them how to be kind to each other. She's my pick for the lifechanger award
Dusty Spence has not only changed the way I see things in my life but she also gives me advice as well. I have only known her for a short time but all she has done is help my life, mental heath, and my grades for school. In Blacksburg middle school she is seen as a mom, teacher, helper, overall an amazing person. she has been thought a lot in her life time yet she never lets any of that bring her down. before I met her in my school my grades sucked I did not understand what I was learning till I met her, she made an effort to make me believe that I could have good grades but also to be a good person as well. she changes people lives around but you don't even know it. At the end of the day, Dusty Spence will welcome anyone into her arms if they need it.
I highly recommend Ms. Spence for the Lifechanger Award. Having met and talked with her multiple times throughout my school year, I can confidently say she is my favorite teacher in the entire school system, as she treats me like a person and helps me get through the day by teaching me how to do certain problems on my homework and showing me what being a truly kind person looks like. I do and always will respect Ms. Spence and I believe she is the best choice for the Lifechanger Award.
Ms. Spence should win the Lifechanger Award. She helps and is and a positive influence the students that come to her room
I highly recommend Ms. Spence for the Lifechanger Award. In the short time that I have known her, I have found her to be a collegue that is passionate about her job. She's is organized and detailed thus making her classroom a place where learning can occur. She has a tough job but she is perfect for it because her students know what is expected of them and so holds them accountable. She is well respected by students, faculty, and staff.
Dusty is truly a valuable asset for BHS! She has a tough job and goes beyond the call of duty to help the students who come her way. She is an exceptional teacher and most definitely deserves the Lifechanger Award!
As a first-year teacher, Dusty has been SO helpful in alerting me when students are in ISS and ensuring that students are productive.
Happy we have Dusty as at BHS. She does a great job with our ISS program.
Everyday at BHS Mrs. Spence works with students who need continuous reminders or prompting. She organizes and monitors their work loads in a manner that has increased the amount of work I - as a classroom teacher -are receiving back from ISS. It's no longer a matter of missing assignments when assigned ISS. It's a relief to have her in that position. It's a plus for students. They aren't falling behind when the are with her. Her experience and ability to nudge students forward has made a difference for several of my students who frequent ISS. Honestly, ISS is now a meaningful timeout from the classroom.
We are so lucky to have Dusty as a part of our team. She is organized and does a fabulous job coordinating student suspensions. When the students are with her she is kind yet firm. She builds great relationships with the students.
I have loved working with Dusty in multiple academic settings because she is determined, productive, and experienced.
She gets along well with her coworkers and continues to be a positive influence on the students she works with.
I met Dusty this school year and I can say with the utmost confidence that she is easy going, friendly and professional. Dusty is a kind and caring individual that is always willing to help students and staff! I learned recently that she faces many personal health issues daily, yet you would never know it by her pleasant demeanor. Her position at BHS can be very challenging and she always approaches it each day with a smile and positive attitude. She is such a joy to be around and would be most deserving of the Lifechanger Award – she changes lives EVERY day!
Ms. Spence and I are currently colleagues at BHS. She has an excellent rapport with the students she works with on a daily basis. She seeks to help them succeed academically. But, she also imparts wisdom in helping guide them to be successful in the real world. I hope Dusty wins this award. She is a great asset to our school.
Over the last year, I've seen her come through many obstacles. Due to COVID, the private school closed, and she transitioned into a virtual learning teaching situation, then began her current position with Blacksburg High School. She also had physical setbacks (not COVID related) that almost took her life. A year later, she is still overcoming these setbacks and medical procedures. She is always there for the school and her kids. She has only missed a few days in years of service. Her dedication and love for these kids is her driving force. She is also a wonderful mom to her own two kids and I've seen her be "mom" to sports teams, her friends children, kids at church...the list continues. I've seen her counsel parents and be at after hour events (sporting events, etc.) for kids. Whatever these kids need, she would provide or come up with a plan to get it. She is an amazing woman who has dedicated years with a smile on her face and love in her heart. Noone is more deserving of this award.
I think everyone should vote for Ms. Spence because,
She is an amazing person. She takes care of every problem that comes her way calmly and efficiently. She cares and loves her students that come along. She is an amazing person to be around and she always brightens up the room with her lovely smile. She will drop her problems to help students and make sure that they are on the right track to becoming successful in life. Not only does she love and care for all of her students but she also checks upon them, if she sees someone upset or mad she will help them calm down and find peace with their situation. She's an amazing person and we couldn't ask for more out of her. Therefore I truly believe that she deserves this award for the amazing effort and love that she puts out into the world.
Dusty always comes to work with a pleasant attitude and a outstanding work ethic. I appreciate her smiling through some of the toughest situations that arises in a school setting. Dusty takes into consideration a student's background and is always willing to listen and emphasize with their students which goes a long way these days. She gets along well with her coworkers and continues to be a positive influence on the students she works with.
Dusty has changed jobs to a high school setting and continues to be a caring and loving example to her students. She constantly strives to show students how to become the best person they can be and how to deal with their daily struggles during this difficult and challenging time. She enjoys her students, her coworkers and strives to improve how to be a positive influence on the students she comes into contact with on a daily basis.
Dusty is one of the kindest people I know. No matter what she’s dealing with or going through personally she will always stop and be there for another person in need. Even a complete stranger. I am blessed to know her and she absolutely makes the world a little better every single day. This award could not be going to a more deserving individual. She’s a real life Angel
Ms. Spence goes above and beyond for all of her 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 and I'm lucky to have worked with her!
Ms. Dusty is an amazing teacher and person. My girls absolutely loved her as a teacher and I loved my kids having her. She is a very kind and thoughtful person. She is very loved!
Ms. Spence is a wonderful teacher willing to take time for both her students and parents. She is there for single parents and makes sure we stay on track when it comes to our kids homework and education. I hate the thought of my child aging-out of her care and guidance. She instills not only good study habits but good character traits as well.
Dusty is an amazing teacher and fantastic person. Over the years, I've seen her not only handle every scenario and challenge thrown at her, but I've seen her handle it with grace and leadership skills. The children look to her as a mother, teacher, and friend. Parents look to her as a confidant, mentor, and friend. Co-workers look to her to learn and be a better person. Administration look to her as someone who is responsible and goes above and beyond what is asked. She brings this to everyone...every single day.
There is so much to write. I’ve watched this woman for many years put her heart, sweat, and tears into these children. I’ve seen her call homes at night to talk children “down” from emotional episodes, I’ve seen her search for runaways, and I’ve seen her counsel parents who were at their breaking points. She has been at bedsides in hospitals to comfort when no one else can. She is tough love, and has high expectations, but she does this in a way where the kids rise to the challenge and want to do better and succeed. She turns kids around who are labeled by society and makes them love learning and be better. When schools were closed, I’ve seen her zoom from home, hold classes outside, and go to homes to teach. I’ve seen her hold children crying, when no one else can break through...she does. A trip out to a store will involve a group of kids in tow who ran into her. I’ve seen college kids she has taught send her notes and remain in touch, and I’ve seen the love and admiration from all of her children and their parents. Once a child is in her class, they are her kids, forever. This woman is the definition of a LifeChanger!
Dusty is a great teacher. She pushes my girls to work hard and achieve excellent grades. We love her!
There is no one anymore deserving of this award than Dusty! Her dedication to our young people is unmatched. Not just in the classroom, but outside of the classroom. She takes her love the profession along with her love for children outside of the classroom to the families. In today's world, that is rare. Each child who has the privileged to be taught, guided and love by Dusty are truly blessed!
Ms. Dusty, as her students call her is very deserving of this honor. She goes the extra mile to make sure that her students are getting the education and love they need to get them through either a hour at a time, a day at a time or a week at a time. She has had a challenging year health wise herself during a pandemic but in spite of the stress and struggles, she has always went over and above for her kids. She is very determined to be there for them to help them during a scary time in our history. Very deserving candidate.
While she is at lunch, we wanted to say we love her as a teacher. We could have been mean and played a trick on her but she is giving us a snow cone party later, so we will behave. She is always here to help with whatever we need. She gets called mom alot. She does special things for us and we are always doing fun things. She makes learning fun. She is the best!
She is definitely deserving of this award. She has endured so much this past year and overcame every obstacle or situation that has been thrown her way. She is very strong willed to give the children what they need day in and day out.
Congratulations Dusty. A well deserved honor. Our youth need teachers with your dedication.
My daughter absolutely adores Ms Dusty. Ms Dusty goes the extra mile to provide fun educational activities for the kids.We are so blessed to her at PCYC
I'm so grateful she works with my children. She is a wonderful teacher and mentor!
She has made a positive impact for me and my son
Ms. Dusty has been “my person.” We originally met when I was in a very dark time in my life. I live 5 hours from my home, from my family. Ms. Dusty has been my rock, my mom when I’m away from my mom, and just an all around miracle for me; just as she is to all of her students. She is a creative, devoted, and passionate teacher. There is nothing that will break her organization methods, her spirit, or her love for every student and person she meets; you can’t be shy with this one, she’ll make ya talk. She is a well-rounded, bubbly woman that nothing can stop. Moral of the story, I believe that Ms. Dusty Spence SHOULD be elected life changer of the year. I couldn’t see anyone else that is more fit to fill this roll better than my Momma D. <3
Ms. Dusty dedicates so much of herself to ensuring the success of her students. During times of adversity she always finds a way to get everyone through it one way or another. In her current position she performs the job of 20 different teachers in one and that is to be applauded. You're awesome Ms. Dusty!
Dusty is not only an amazing teacher, but a wonderful friend. She has concurred many obstacles in just the last year that most people could not imagine facing. Teaching children and being a mentor to all those around her has been her number 1 priority regardless of what is going on in her life. She is very dedicated and puts her soul into all that she sets out to do when it comes to being the best teacher for her children. This award could not go to a more deserving woman.
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 brings those skills to her job every day.
Dusty is one of the most dedicated teachers I've ever met. She goes above and beyond to give her students the best learning experience possible. This past year Dusty has faced some physical challenges that would probably have most people in bed with the covers pulled over their head. Dusty's main concern through all this was her students. I have met Dusty out at a local convenience store one night to give her some supplies I had that she was a able to utilize in her classroom. Dusty is definitely not your 8-3:00 teacher. She puts her whole heart into teaching her students.
Dusty is one of the most dedicated teachers I've ever met. She goes above and beyond to give her students the best learning experience possible. This past year Dusty has faced some physical challenges that would probably have most people in bed with the covers pulled over their head. Dusty's main concern through all this was her students. I have met Dusty out at a local convenience store one night to give her some supplies I had that she was a able to utilize in her classroom. Dusty is definitely not your 8-3:00 teacher. She puts her whole heart into teaching her students.
Congratulations Ms. Dusty. You deserve it! You are awesome at what you do. Me and My little appreciates everything!! ??Thank you & keep up the great work! ?
Dusty is one of the greatest influences a child could have in their life. She’s dedicated to all of the children she has contact with
I have known Dusty for many years and I have always admired her passion in teaching young children. She always goes above and beyond to make sure the needs of her children are met both inside and, when necessary, outside the classroom.
Over the past year, I have admired her ability to adapt to an ever-changing world and classroom environment affected by COVID-19. There is a tireless energy she possesses to remain focused and dedicated to her kids and to her calling in life.
In a world that sees many people give “just enough“, Dusty Goes above and beyond as a teacher in as a leader in the community. She is worthy of recognition as a life changer. I believe this because she gives selflessly and has a heart to see others benefit and grow!
I can think of no one more deserving of this award, as my life long friend, Dusty Spence. In a world full of negativity, she has always been a beacon of light, and positivity. Offering love, learning, and friendship.
Dusty is one of the most loyal, dedicated and all around great person. Her integrity speaks for itself in her work ethic and character. I am very honored to speak on her behalf.
I know Ms. Spence, and I can tell you she always goes the extra mile for her students and her community! Ms. Spence cares deeply and strives to better herself and her students as much as she can. Congratulations on your nomination Ms. Spence, you've earned it!
Very kind and sweet. I had her as a teacher and she taught me a lot!
Ms. Dusty is an absolute blessing to work with, be around, and learn from. She deserves this award more than anyone after the long, hard work and grueling hours she dedicates away from herself to ensure each and every student, staff member, and friend can prosper. I’ve enjoyed every minute I have been able to learn from this wonderful, strong woman and I hope our time together never ends!
