Alicia Sadler, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School

Photo: Sharon Bouchard

Alicia Sadler

NORWAY — For Alicia Sadler, there is not a time she can remember not wanting to be a teacher. Her dream was fulfilled several years ago when she opened and operated a Montessori school in Norway, the first of its kind in the area.

“My first day of teaching at the Montessori school was exciting and full of hope and promise,” recalled Sadler. “I don’t remember being scared, but probably a little anxious. We had about 10 students our first year. I had a wonderful teaching assistant, Renee, who to this day is a dear friend. Those first students graduated from high school last year; it was very moving to see them as young adults.”

Sadler currently works with the 10th grade at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School as an Ed Tech III and a braille specialist. She is now in her second year in that position.

“I love it!” said Sadler. “I find the most fun about teaching is the diversity; each day brings something new and different, a new challenge, a new opportunity. I’m grateful to have taught from preschool to high school.”

Having grown up in and a lifelong resident of Norway Sadler has deep roots in the community. “I fondly remember growing up with my younger brother Aaron. I feel we spent most of our childhood outside. In the summer we rode our bikes, helped in the gardens, took care of our animals and went camping,” recalled Sadler.

“In the fall we were often climbing trees and running around our property together,” Sadler continued. “We did a lot of snowmobiling and ice skating on our pond in the winter. We made maple syrup and ice cream. My parents were always up for an adventure and Aaron and I benefited from all those unique experiences.”

Sadler was married to husband Alan during the summer solstice of this year. The couple met when their kids were younger and Alan was head coach and she an assistant in Boosters soccer.

With daughter, Ellex, 16 and a junior and son, Kelton, 14, a freshman and stepson Kieran, 16, also a junior, Sadler’s days are pretty full. When not in school she is involved in her children’s activities.

With the school year just recently resumed Sadler said, “On the first day I feel like a student again, meeting new teachers, a new schedule, new text books, etc. It is always a gift to see old friends and meet new people. The start of the new year is probably one of my favorite times.”

Her favorite part of the school day, however, is the morning. “I look forward to the day and feeling a sense of anticipation. I get to school early, before seven, and enjoy the relative solitude of the building and my room before the students arrive. When they come in with their energy, activity and spirit I feel ready.”

During the summer months when school is not in session Sadler works part-time in a special needs program at a pediatric developmental center.

“We also love to garden and have a big vegetable garden as well as lots of flower beds. We travel a little bit and watch our kids play soccer,” says Sadler.

Being a busy mom and wife with a close and active family and gardening helps to keep Sadler grounded, but teaching holds some very special fulfillment.

“The rewards from teaching are innumerable,” said Sadler. “One of the many benefits is feeling that your work each day is important. Helping children become creative, resilient and positive people is a task teachers take seriously.”

“Another benefit of teaching,” continues Sadler, “is having the occasion to be around great kids who are filled with dreams and zest and who are in the process of becoming people you will be proud to know.”