Has Laine Tabone realized a dream? A seasoned gambler might bet she’s done that.
With close relatives having been teachers, Laine knew at a young age she wanted to follow in their footsteps. Originally from Virginia Beach, her father was in the Navy. As a youngster she moved – due to her dad’s relocation – to South Carolina.
“I was about 13,” Laine, who did her undergrad work in early childhood and elementary education, said.
Despite the move, her quest to teach remained constant.
“I always did (want to teach),” she said. “I come from a long line of teachers. My mom and aunt were teachers.”
Now teaching math to third graders at Vass-Lakeview Elementary, Laine got a master’s in reading from Walden University, an online school based in Minneapolis. This is her 22nd year as an instructor.
“It goes by quick,” Laine said. “This is the end of my 12th year (at Vass-Lakeview), all in the third grade.”
While she may have more than two decades under her belt, she’s quick to admit there are always mountains to climb.
“I have to make sure I’ve done everything I can so my students can be successful,” she said. “That always weighs on me.”
An ability to reach students helps her clear the hurdles.
“I build connections with my students,” Laine said. “I let them know I care about them.”
For some, the start of school brings stress. Laine isn’t in that group. She sees it as a time for the connecting to get underway.
“I really enjoy the beginning of the school year,” she said.
To assist with the gaining of trust, Laine relies on other teachers and the administration at Vass-Lakeview.
“I love the people I work with,” she advised. “There’s a core of us that have been here all 12 years. We work so well together.”
Having a reliable, consistent network is key – not only for a job – but for life in general. Nevertheless, taking time to relax is also important.
“I’m excited for the summer,” Laine admitted.
Considering Laine is a veteran of the classroom, thinking about what might have been probably isn’t a priority. If she had taken a different career path, it likely would’ve involved helping those in need.
“I might have been some kind of counselor,” she said. “I enjoy working with people and helping them through things.”
Located in Vass, Vass-Lakeview is one of 16 elementary schools in the Moore County School District. It serves more than 460 students, from K-5. It ranks in the top 50 percent in North Carolina for overall test scores, including math and reading proficiency. The school’s principal is Dr. Michelle Bennett.
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Contributed photo of Laine Tabone.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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