Rene McAlister-Wallace is a veteran educator in every sense of the word. For 30 years she has lived her passion to help students day-in and day-out. Some 26 of those years have been with Lee County Schools, spending two years at Lee County High School before finding a home on the staff at Broadway Elementary School where she serves in the Exceptional Children (EC) Department.
McAlister-Wallace is deeply invested in making Broadway a place where every student can shine, serving on the School Improvement Team (SIT) and on the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team while anchoring the IEP Team as its chairperson. Simply put, she knows how to get it done while providing a solid base of care and support for each student that she teaches. Her story is one that highlights the importance of a strong teacher, student, and family bond that composes the foundation for student success.
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Q: What do you consider to be the most important contributions you have made to the school district and community throughout the years?
McAlister-Wallace: "I think working with students and giving them the best that we've got is a major contribution in and of itself. As teachers, that is our main purpose. Building relationships with the students and their families is also very important, that's what helps them trust us and then develop their gifts."
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey? What has motivated you to continue your work here?
McAlister-Wallace: "Working with struggling students and seeing them begin to show growth and believe in themselves has always been very rewarding to me. Helping students grow both academically and personally makes all of the night and weekend work worthwhile. When the students are successful, that means we've been successful. My motivation for staying here goes back to my desire to see students grow and become confident individuals. "
Q: How have your relationships with colleagues and students enriched your life and career?
McAlister-Wallace:"The relationships I have developed with my colleagues and students have definitely helped shape who I am today. Even though I don't live in Lee County, I feel that I am a part of the community. If you're out and about in Lee County, you're bound to see a current or former student who knows or remembers you, and if it's nothing more than a tight hug or a shy wave, you know you've made an impact. The people I work with are a true team. We support one another through sharing ideas and resources, experiences, jokes, and when needed, a kind word or pat on the back. "
Q: If there is one thing you could tell future employees about this district, what would it be?
McAlister-Wallace: "We, your co-workers, are here for you. Build relationships with your students. Building relationships encourages and motivates most students to be more engaged in their learning."
