What does it take to be a good teacher? Patience, love of children, good education, the ability to teach what you know, would probably be some of the qualities you would look for. These qualities are just what Stafford Elementary’s new Title One Math teacher, Sara Muetzenberg has going for her.

Muetzenberg graduated from Abiliene Christian University in 1998. She has been in the education field for fifteen years and has taught, kindergarten, first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth grade and seniors in high school. She is one class away from finishing her masters degree in Leadership and Learning and is qualified to be a principal. “My goal is to one day be a professor at a university and teach teachers how to teach. So I need to know all of the different aspects in the teaching field.”

I asked Sara what is a Title One Math class? She replied, “The Title One math teacher works with students in the 3rd thru 6th grade. Title One is a program that the state helps provide funds for students who are at risk. Children can be at risk because of grades, maturity levels, home situations, anything that could affect their academic performance. I work with students that have been retained or are struggling in a classroom or have many things going on in their life that affects their ability to concentrate in the classroom. The big difference in coming in my class is they get to be worked with one on one, we will work on social issues if that is a challenge for them. We work with them in here because it eliminates all social aspects so they are able to concentrate on academics. Just a few students are worked with one on one because it is better for them to learn how to learn in a social environment. We also teach small groups of students ranging from three to seven students at a time.”

Muetzenberg has been married to her husband Robbie for fifteen years and has two children, Kaleb (fifth grader) and Robyn(fourth grader).

When asked what grade she liked teaching the best Sara said,“I like the flexibility of Title One and I get to know all of the kids. I do miss the classroom sometimes because the classroom becomes your family for the whole year. This class is very challenging and very rewarding.”

When asked, ‘Why teaching?,’ she replied, “You have to love children to be a teacher. This is a career you either love it or you hate it, there is no middle ground. If you don’t like kids, then you don’t need to be working with kids. I love kids and love to interact with them and make a difference.”

Welcome to Stafford Elementary, Sara Muetzenberg, we are glad you are here!