Lynette Stant
Third-Grade Teacher
Salt River Elementary School
Scottsdale, AZ USA
“My 'Plan B'—little did I know—was my calling.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationLynette Stant
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I was raised on the Navajo Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona.
Growing up, my parents didn’t speak the Navajo language to us because they were trying to adhere to the school system, which wanted everyone to conform and exclusively speak English.
I didn’t initially plan to become a teacher—I originally went into college thinking I’d become an attorney.
When my daughter was born and I became a single mom, I decided to pursue my backup plan and become a teacher.
Within a few years of teaching, I had developed a passion for it and knew that it was my calling.
In 16 years of teaching on the Salt River Indian Reservation, I’ve been focused on positively impacting and showing representation for Indigenous students and our community and culture.
I was honored as the 2020 Arizona Teacher of the Year—I’m the first Indigenous woman to hold this space in the history of the award.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Third-Grade Teacher
I teach third grade and I am the 2020 Arizona Teacher of the Year.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Science
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
My day starts at 6:00 a.m. when I check my work email. Then, at 7:45 a.m., I teach my first virtual class of the day. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is my planning time with my third-grade team. We'll evaluate data, prep, and plan. After that, I teach two more virtual classes. I have two hours in the afternoon to connect with students and families one-on-one. Then, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., I allow time for my Teacher of the Year work and planning.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
My advice for new teachers is to understand that your year is going to be difficult and that's okay. What you learn in college is not completely reflective of what your career as a teacher will look like. Be open to failing because it happens sometimes. Just roll with it, shake it off, and get back in the game. If teaching truly is your passion and calling, you'll be just fine.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I failed my interview for Teacher of the Year. I'm not going to get it. Indigenous people don't hold those spaces."
Challenges I Overcame
Single Parent
Work Stress
