In 1994 when I finally discovered the Sing, Spell, Read & Write curriculum as a teacher at P.S. 138 in Queens, NY. I determined to somehow buy that program and use it with my struggling 2nd graders. I did raise $1400, on my own, with my classroom parents for the curriculum and used the program with enthusiasm and fortitude. End year reading progress results was nothing less than miraculous. Classroom parents were exceedingly happy and even my principal who had been against this undertaking had to acknowledge the great strides my students had made. 

But this blog is not about me and my work, it’s about my mentor, friend, colleague and sometimes surrogate mother, Sue Dickson. I was not trained in this program by any UFT  mentor because the UFT was not familiar with it so, I went straight to the author and begged her assistance. Sue was more than willing to offer her expertise as I used this program.  There were logistical problems for me, “How do I organize a classroom into small groups so that each group gets their time with me DAILY?” “How do I discipline?” “What should I do to get the kids attention?” I needed LOTS of hand holding and Sue Dickson was there for me any time, day or even night! 

Then, of course there were the successes that I shared with her and the difficulties I had with staff, the school culture and the pedagogy of whole language which dominated our schools. I fought and Sue held my hand. I called her often to share my triumphs and defeats. We laughed, cried and laughed some more together. 

Sue Dickson is not only an educator, she’s a talented musician and this we had in common as well, as I love to sing. We sang together, we sang the hymns which we love best together and held each other up in prayer. 

Sue Dickson, I cannot thank you enough for all the support, love, kindness and generosity you’ve shown to me and my students my entire career. Up until the very last year I taught I used Sing, Spell, Read & Write. It’s so easy to use and I plan on using it in the future as well. 

Last month Sue Dickson received the 2019 James Madison University Alumni Award, a lovely and fitting tribute to an American pedagogical giant, who took tiny steps and walked in the path of teaching to develop her programs. I love you Sue and congratulations!