The desire to positively impact lives is an honorable one. It is the binding force that links together everyone in the educational career field. However, as intrinsic as this goal is to anyone working in a school, days will come that beg the question, “How? How will I know I’m changing lives?”
For Wendy Bernard, Instructional Assistant at Simmons Elementary, the answer to this question is powerful yet uncomplicated. "This is my little piece of making a difference," she says. Wendy knows that the work she does, every bit of it, is an essential part of the "little piece" that makes the difference in the individual life of each student. By showing up every day, eager to encourage and engage students as they learn and try new things, Mrs. Bernard provides children with the support and consistency needed to help shape their young lives. It is for this reason and countless others that Mrs. Bernard is the recipient of the Woodford Outstanding Service Award for the 2021-2022 school year at Simmons.
Wendy began her career in education when her youngest daughter entered Kindergarten. Prior to this, she stayed at home with her daughters, and she loved having the opportunity to do so. In fact, it was the joy she experienced in being home with them, helping and teaching them every moment as they grew, that led Wendy to think working in an elementary school would be a good fit.
She started substitute teaching in the district and eventually became an Instructional Assistant. Mrs. Bernard is now in her 23rd year working at the very elementary school where her husband and daughters were students. What’s more, her granddaughter joined the Simmons family this year as a preschool student. Even without these familial connections to Simmons, Wendy would be deeply invested in the school community; however, these ties certainly sweeten her experience all the more working in Woodford County Public Schools.
To say that Mrs. Bernard finds her work rewarding would be an understatement. She is elated when considering the many ways she is able to educate children. “I love teaching kids new things, everything from letter formation to how to read. Teaching them to read is the biggest because they eventually will read a story back to you,” says Wendy. She continues, “It’s not just that though. It’s teaching them manners and how to work out problems with their friends. If something has broken their little heart, I’m teaching them how to handle it.” Wendy smiles and says, “It’s even teaching them how to open containers in the lunchroom…The littlest things are rewarding.” The satisfaction that Mrs. Bernard experiences from instructing students and helping them grow as young people adds to the certainty she feels that this is her calling. “I feel like I’m everyone’s grandma. I treat them like my own.” She pauses and adds, “This is where God wants me to be.”
Wendy’s coworkers would certainly agree that she is living in her calling. Mrs. Crystal Roberts, a first grade teacher at Simmons, says, “Mrs. Bernard is such a vital part of our classroom and school. She shows initiative to step in where needed along with the tasks that she does with students on a regular basis. She prioritizes building relationships with students. She has built such a great relationship with all students, so many past students come back to visit her.”
Principal Joe Albert agrees and adds, “As these students are learning ‘how to do school,’ Mrs. Bernard is amazing at holding them accountable in a loving way. She has high expectations for our students, and they grow into better young people because of her…Our school motto is #wherewerwanttobe, and Wendy is the embodiment of that. Every day she makes it known how much she loves Simmons' students, families, and staff! We are beyond blessed that Simmons is where Wendy wants to be!”
Simmons is absolutely where Mrs. Bernard wants to be. She loves what she does and looks forward to going to work each day. When she thinks back to receiving the Woodford Outstanding Service Award, this is what strikes her: to receive an award for doing a job that already feels like a gift is such an immense blessing.
And Woodford is certainly blessed in return. Congratulations on receiving the 2021-2022 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for Simmons Elementary, Wendy!
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