During our 50th Anniversary year, we have been telling the stories of past employees who have gone on to do great things using skills they learned working at Community Education. We now present six questions with Liz Turner, ESL Teacher for BGISD (Dishman McGinnis Elementary and McNeill Elementary).
A native of Bowling Green, Turner received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from WKU, and her Master’s in Literacy Specialist and Rank 1 in Teacher Leadership with an ESL Endorsement from the University of Cumberlands. Turner and her husband, Justin, have two sons: Briggs (3) and Stratton (1 ½).
What was your experience working with children before starting with Community Education? “Before Community Education, I was a lifeguard and babysitter. I was a lifeguard at Indian Hills Country Club for five years and then babysat full-time in the summer for three summers.”
What are you most proud of achieving during your five years at Community Education? “My proudest accomplishment at Community Education was supervising the extensive after-school program at McNeill Elementary. I had big shoes to fill when I took over as supervisor, but I maintained a well-run program and built relationships with families and kids that would last a lifetime. I always know when I hear ‘Mrs. Liz!’ that it is a McNeill child or parent. It is a great feeling and makes me happy.”
What challenges did you face? “Being in charge of the largest after-school program wasn’t always easy, but it taught me so many things. I had to manage kids and deal with a large staff. Tough conversations were had occasionally, and being the boss wasn’t always fun. Building relationships with staff and kids made the program run smoothly, and the staff respected me and each other.”
What did you do after you left Community Education? “I finished my degree in Elementary Education and did my student teaching at Briarwood Elementary. After student teaching, I was hired at Dishman McGinnis Elementary and began my teaching career. I have taught several grade levels since the beginning of my career and love it. This coming year will be my 12th year teaching and beginning my new position as an ESL teacher at Dishman McGinnis and back to where it all began, McNeill.”
How did working at Community Education prepare you for the rest of your career? “Working at Community Education and being in charge of the after-school program taught me much about management, rapport, and organization. As a first-year teacher, I applied these strategies to my classroom, which helped immensely. Classroom management and building relationships are two of my most vital attributes in the teaching profession, and Community Education played a huge part in helping me grow.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “Community Education was a fantastic experience! I loved learning and building my way up as the years progressed. I started at McNeill as a group leader, then assistant supervisor, and eventually became a supervisor. Our program comprised over 100 kids, and there was never a dull moment. I worked with some fantastic people and continue to this day to keep in touch with them. The kids and parents were great and supported me despite tough decisions. I have been able to watch these kids grow and become young adults. I made an impact that can never be replaced. I am thankful for my five years and wouldn’t have changed anything.”