Lakeland teachers focus on student growth

Lexey Pulley has been a teacher for seven years at Lakeland Academy in Freeport.

Pulley has an associate degree in education and is certified as a paraprofessional. She also holds a substitute teaching license.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. I don’t know why,” Pulley said. “I never even liked school. I just decided I wanted to do it, go to college. So I did.”

The job has its challenges, Pulley said, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing how students grow over time.

Ashlee McDonald is in her first year of teaching at Lakeland. She works as an aide in the kindergarten and first grade classrooms. At 19 years old, she is in college to further her education while helping the next generation learn.

One of her challenges, she said, is being taken seriously at her young age. She added that it might surprise students to learn she is just starting out in her career.

“If you love it, it’s not work,” McDonald said.

Dana Robey has been teaching at Lakeland for four years. She works with high school students in grades nine through 12, covering both basic courses and electives ranging from Spanish to medical terminology.

Robey is currently working on her bachelor’s degree from Walden University while serving as a paraprofessional.

“I think everyone’s overall goal here is to educate the kids, to just give them as solid an education as we can, and set them up for success for life,” Robey said.

She hopes to pass on a love of learning to each of her students. “Just try your best,” she tells them. “You can always continue to learn and grow and get better at what you want.”

Pulley, McDonald and Robey each plan to stay with Lakeland as long as possible. The school is active in the community, encouraging students to engage in civic duties.

“We do a lot with local organizations,” Robey said. “We work with the church for graduations and our Thanksgiving dinners. Our high school students volunteer at the food bank. We do local field trips. A lot of our involvement is with local organizations.”

For the three women, Lakeland is more than just a workplace.

“I really don’t think there’s another school for us,” Robey said. “We’re like a family.”