Sara Askew is a second grade teacher at Oak Mountain Elementary School. She lives in Chelsea Park with her husband, Michael, and their two children, 7-year-old Micah and 3-year-old Isabelle.

Q: Why did you want to go into education?

A: I have had a bond with children since I was young. They instantly gravitate to me and I can strike up a conversation with anyone. I know that teaching would strongly impact their lives and I enjoy making that lasting impression.

Q: When were you a student at your current school?

A: I attended Oak Mountain Elementary from 1993-1994, followed by Oak Mountain Middle School and Oak Mountain High School.

Q: What is your fondest memory of your current school, either as a teacher or student?

A: I remember moving to Alabama from Florida when I was 10 years old. Although it was a tough transition, the teachers and counselors at OMES made me feel at home. This past year, I watched my son grow and learn at Oak Mountain as I did all those years ago. Seeing him walking to my classroom in the afternoon, smiling ear to ear; it reminded me of the impact a school has on a child’s heart. My fondest memory from my class this year was my students conducting student-led conferences with their parents. It is something all participants will remember with a smile.

Q: What do you love most about your job?

A: I love watching children’s “Aha!” moments. Whether it is solving a difficult math equation, making sense of the Scientific Process, or making connections to a biography they just read.

Q: What has teaching taught you?

A: Patience…lots of patience (with a smile). Teaching has taught me that it is okay for me to be quiet and let kiddos figure things out on their own – that each student truly learns at his or her own pace and that is just fine!

Q: If you could be present at any major historical event, what would it be and why?

A: I would want to be present to help Mother Teresa open the first orphanage in India in 1957.  Mother Teresa was one of the most selfless people in history. She exhibited many character values that I hope to show on a daily basis.

Q: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

A: I would tell my hot-headed 18-year-old self that I do not know it all and soak up every moment with family … every single one.

Q: If you could meet any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

A: I would really like to meet Jesus. I would like to thank Him for enduring ridicule,

cruelty, and abuse to save me.

Q: What is the one place in the world you would like to visit and why?

A: I would love to visit Italy – yes, the entire country! The scenery, the food, the people, I would cherish a visit to Italy!