Gratitude for Sandy Thoms
If I had to choose one word to describe my relationship with Sandy Thoms, it would be grateful. Grateful for our time together in the classroom and grateful for the friendship we have made over these last fifteen years. Sandy is family to me and it started in 2009, my first year here at GUS. I was a young teacher who had bounced around teaching a few different grades at this point, but I hadn’t really found my niche yet. I applied for the three open positions that year (K, 1, and 2) and Sandy was a big part of the hiring committee. I was offered the kindergarten position and didn’t know yet how lucky I was to be working with Sandy. She was welcoming and when I say a fountain of knowledge, I mean the Dubai Fountain. I learned more from Sandy in my first few years at GUS than I did in four years of college.
Sandy was the perfect person to teach me about the GUS philosophy and traditions. She gave me just the right amount of support and independence in the classroom. There was definitely a learning curve with respect to our unique math curriculum and I had yet to teach kindergarten literacy instruction. Sandy took a lot of her own personal time to make sure I felt comfortable in the classroom and confident in my lessons. Over time, the bond we created in that classroom was magical. We created new lessons together, we tackled new curriculum changes, and we built a friendship that only grows stronger each year.
I think everyone who has met Sandy could agree that she is the most kind and thoughtful person. As a teacher, she makes it easy for her students to come to her with a problem or question, both academic and personal. As a colleague, Sandy is always there. Even though we don’t work in the same classroom anymore, I have still had someone to rely on down the hall. Phone calls, lunchtime chats, and dinner together; I am grateful for all of the time we still share. I can't imagine walking into the lower school and not seeing Sandy Thoms in the Kindergarten classroom, but I know the impact she has had on the school will be felt not just in the kindergarten classroom, but throughout the hallways and all across campus for years to come. Congratulations Sandy on an incredible career!
Reflections on Sandy Thoms:
“I'm not sure there's anyone who knows more about this school than Sandy. She is humble, thoughtful, and dedicated. When she speaks up, I have always thought it is REALLY important to listen. She might not want us to talk about how many years she's been teaching or the time that's gone by - or maybe she doesn't care! - but I am in awe of the number of kids she has taught and the number of programs she has used and the number of PD sessions she's been to and the number of families she's supported. Yet she is also ALWAYS wanting to learn more and talk about education with me. We have had a few conversations on the phone or on Zoom just about the profession of teaching. She's such a professional. I appreciate her continued support of the mission of GUS and the importance of a true kindergarten experience. I trust her.”
- Laura Doyle, Fourth Grade Teacher
“I truly believe that Sandy Thoms is the smartest educator I have ever known. The dictionary defines a teacher “As one whose occupation is to instruct” and an educator as “One skilled in teaching, and a student of the theory and practice of education.” In my words, Sandy does not just teach her students but educates all who are around her, and she does it in a manner that makes her learners feel as though they are the only one she is talking with. That includes her students, her colleagues, the parents, and anyone else who knows her. She clearly understands what is best for each student and has the ability to reach them at their level in a way that they will understand.”
- Bruce Emerson, Athletic Director
“Sandy is a model of lifelong learning, from navigating her way through all of the technological changes of her career to her constantly growing heart for diversity, equity, justice, and belonging. I don't know of anyone who takes her professional development more seriously in this area, embodying Angelou's advice to do your best until you know better, then do better. I am also in awe of her ability to take complex ideas and explain them to young children.”
- Dr. Chris Draper, Upper School Social Studies Teacher
“If there is anyone who is the embodiment of what it means to be a GUS teacher, it is Sandy Thoms. As a veteran teacher, her commitment to professional development and doing the best for her students is unmatched. She truly never stops learning and working to be the best teacher she can be. How grateful we are for her years of service, her gentle guidance of students, teachers, and parents (even of heads of school), and her dedication to her craft. We welcome the opportunity to celebrate all that she has meant to GUS and her well-earned retirement not just today, but all year long. Congratulations, Sandy!”
- Gretchen Forsyth, Head of School
“My first year at GUS, I was invited to join a cohort of GUS teachers to attend the Project Zero workshop at Harvard GSE. This was prior to school starting and I hadn't met any of my new GUS colleagues. Over 1,000 teachers attended the week-long workshop. I was placed in a group with people from around the globe, but fortunately Sandy was another GUS teacher placed in my group. During our discussions, Sandy shared insights which I found very helpful in getting the most out of the workshop. Her seriousness and professionalism during that week encouraged me to be my best self. And as if I was a student again, I felt like I should also be on my best behavior. Since then, I've gotten to know Sandy. Sandy is a teacher I admire. I'm inspired by her dedication, and I'm comforted by her steadiness, her calm, and her warmth. I'm even more grateful that both my children had the opportunity to experience her classroom. I will miss you, Sandy, and wish you the best!”
- Chris Doyle, Academic Support Teacher