Congratulations Rachel Clark, Special Education Instructional Assistant at Sudlersville Elementary
The Shore Update Teacher of the Month is Rachel Clark, Special Education Instructional Assistant at Sudlersville Elementary. The person who nominated Rachel wrote, “I’d like to nominate Rachel Clark for teacher of the month this February. I think it would mean a lot to her not only because it’s her birthday month (big 40!) but because she is a fantastic teacher… she has excelled in every role that was given to her.”
What is your background? How long have you been teaching? I entered the field of child development in 2005 at the age of 19. I began my career at Woods Child Development Center in Severna Park, where I worked my way up from teacher aide to teaching assistant. During that time, I earned my Maryland 90-hour certification.
In 2010, I accepted a Pre-Kindergarten teaching position at Annapolis Child Development Center, where I remained until 2022. Since then, I have been working in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools as an instructional assistant. Overall, I have been in child development and education for nearly two decades.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Why? To be completely honest, school was not my favorite place, but art always was. I loved everything creative, including 2D design, graphic design, 3D art, and photography. I had an incredible art teacher, Ms. Graff, who kept it real and truly saw me. During a time when the pressures of school and friendships felt overwhelming, she helped me flourish creatively and gain confidence in myself.
What was your least favorite subject? Why? Math… without question. Anything math-related was a struggle for me. I think it was my least favorite because I had a hard time fully comprehending it.
You are a Special Education Instructional Assistant. What does that mean? I provide one-on-one support for multiple students throughout their school day. I help students work toward their IEP goals and assist with data collection for the Special Education teacher. Some students need gentle guidance, while others require more intensive support. My role is to meet each child where they are and help them succeed.
How do you work with other teachers to help the students in your class? The goal is to help students meet their goals and grow into functional, confident individuals. That only happens when teachers and instructional assistants work as a team. Collaboration, communication, and consistency are key; we support one another so we can best support the students.
What part of teaching do you find rewarding? Challenging? The most rewarding part is witnessing those “aha” moments, when a child suddenly understands something and you can see the joy written all over their face. Watching students make progress, even in small steps, is incredibly fulfilling.
One of the most challenging parts is the lack of support that can sometimes exist, whether from parents, colleagues, administration, or higher-level decision-makers. A child’s success is strongest when home and school work together as a team.
What do you do when you are not teaching? How do you have fun? I’m a mom to two boys, ages 11 and 12. Most days revolve around pickups from after-school activities like play rehearsals, UQA wrestling practices/tournaments, and BSP baseball practices/games, along with figuring out what’s for dinner in between it all. In the moments we do get to slow down, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two dogs, and our twenty-something chickens… whether that’s just hanging out, catching up at the end of the day, or enjoying the rare quiet moment. We stay pretty busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What advice would you give: How can parents tell if their child is struggling? Children don’t always come right out and say they’re struggling; most show it through changes in behavior. A child who suddenly avoids schoolwork, becomes easily frustrated, acts out, or shuts down may be trying to tell you something without using words. You might notice increased emotional reactions, changes in sleep or appetite, or resistance to activities they once enjoyed. Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, it probably is. Open communication with teachers early on makes a huge difference. Struggling doesn’t mean failing—it means a child needs support, and the sooner that support is put in place, the better the outcome. Early intervention truly matters.
Nominate a teacher who makes a difference by emailing their name & school to office@shoreupdate.com.
Nominate a teacher who makes a difference by emailing their name & school to office@shoreupdate.com.