Henrico’s Top Teachers – Sandy West, Crestview ES

On the first day of preschool each year, Sandy West lets all of the four-year-olds at Crestview Elementary School know that they matter, and that she loves them as if they were her own children.

Having her own child is what made West realize that she wanted to teach preschool instead of fifth grade, which she had taught for seven years in Virginia Beach.

“I like to have that play piece, and read stories using inflections and changing my voice to engage them in that way,” West said.

West’s favorite part about teaching four-year-olds is the “simple joys” they find the tiniest bit of knowledge. They get excited when they see the first letter of their name somewhere, or hear it read in a story.

Back in April, West taught a lesson about the reduce, reuse recycle symbols. Now each day, children in her class let her know every time they see a recycle symbol – even when it’s the one that they see on the playground every single day.

“That made an impact in their life,” West said. “They've truly learned and listened because they search for those little pieces that they see or that they learned about.”

Former students still keep in contact – even some from one of West’s first classes, who have their own children now.

This school year, West started out with teaching fine motor skills like holding a crayon or holding a pair of scissors – something that children have usually mastered by the time they reach preschool. But after two years of being cooped up at home, some students were weak. Several cried well into November and December because they wanted to be back at home, West said, which is unusual but apparently another result of less social interaction outside the home.

“The students have been very challenging with their social piece – their social emotional growth is their comfort of their home,” West said. “Some families engage them in academic or educational activities but some of them did not.”

The first year back in person was also difficult due to staffing issues. Some days an instructional assistant wouldn’t come in, so random people came in to check. Sometimes a substitute would come in, but then get pulled out shortly after arriving.

But despite the seemingly endless challenges of the year, the students have come a long way with their listening skills, West said.

“Honestly, I don't know why I became a teacher but I can't imagine doing anything else,” West said.