INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Heather Wilson, Sand Lake Elementary School

Heather Wilson is the exceptional student resource teacher for students in first, third and fifth grades at Sand Lake Elementary School. She has been with the school since it opened in 2006 and has been with Orange County Public Schools for 29 years. She also attended OCPS schools from fourth through 12th grades. Wilson was Sand Lake Elementary’s Teacher of the Year in 2018. She is Orton Gillingham-trained and currently is working on her practicum to become a certified Orton Gillingham teacher. Principal Kathleen Phillips said Wilson is pure sunshine and love. “The care, compassion and enthusiasm she has for all students, as well as for her colleagues, is genuine and endearing,” Phillips said. “She is invested in the academic, social and emotional growth, and well-being of each student.”

What brought you to your school?

I came to Sand Lake Elementary School to work for Principal Mary Hool, who I’d worked with at my previous school. She had watched me “grow up” in my career and saw something in me that she wanted at her new school. We are still in touch.

What do you love most about your school?

Sand Lake Elementary is special! We have an overall feeling of family and community like no other. We are all here for the right reasons, and we love our students, our families and (one another). 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

My students and families! I work with the sweetest students who work hard for every bit of their learning. Because I work with the same students for multiple years, I really get to see them grow and get to know them as people. We become a family. I love their personalities and their perspectives. I love working as a team with their families to ensure they learn in their best way and can be successful learners and people.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?  

I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since before I was in school myself, and I decided on working with students with special needs when I was in the seventh grade. If I had to choose another career, it would probably be in business or the hospitality field.

Who influences you?  

My family has and continues to be my main influence in my life. I’m a fourth-generation teacher but the only elementary and special-needs teacher in my family.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I have so many! I loved school, learning and reading from a young age. My mom was my first favorite teacher. She taught me to read and how to be a good person. One of my high school English teachers, Mrs. Gwinn, stands out as a favorite, because she was my first teacher to really “get” me.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

Curious George. I have fond memories as a child of the book “Curious George Takes a Job” and making the origami boats and hats that he makes in the story. When I became a teacher, the character Curious George reminded me of some of my students; he has a good heart and always means well but often gets in trouble and doesn’t exactly know why. When he’s taught why what he did was a mistake, he works hard to help make everything better.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I fill my spare time with family and friends. I enjoy being with them, whether it be going out to eat, seeing a movie, playing games (board and card games), or volunteering with family, friends and my church.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I still like to eat them from time to time as an adult.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because I enjoy the time spent with family and friends, and it’s my all-time favorite meal.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

I stay in touch with a lot of school friends through Facebook.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I played piano and danced ballet when I was younger. In high school, I was the team manager of the girls soccer team and bowled on the bowling team. My only “accolade” was being most improved in bowling.