The Story of Tracy Meister & Samantha Coyle
By Tammy Thornton
Now that the school bell regularly rings, it’s time to admit that summer is really over. We’ve sent our kiddos off for new adventures and experiences, perhaps for the very first time. Some moms breathe a sigh of relief, while for others, it’s an apprehensive time to imagine your child away from your care and watchful eye for over six hours each day.
Fortunately, wonderful teachers are eagerly waiting for their students and are excited about a new year of learning. We salute all teachers that are educating and inspiring our future leaders. But some teachers go above and beyond the call of duty. Hometown Heroes Tracey Meister and Samantha Coyle, teachers at Seaview Avenue School in Linwood, are those types of teachers. You can feel the love being poured into their students as they energetically greet and hug children in the hallways and classrooms. This dynamic duo of teaching seems inseparable though they are both individually talented and impacting students in life-changing ways.
Their teaching paths began together; both Mrs. Meister and Mrs. Coyle started their teaching careers 26 years ago at the former Poplar Avenue School in Linwood, and have worked in the Linwood School District ever since. Both teachers are just as excited now as when they first started and feel blessed that they get to go to work doing something they love. The two have often collaborated over the years. Mrs. Coyle has spent the better part of her career as a third-grade teacher, but currently feels blessed to be involved in basic skills instruction. Mrs. Meister, who has also taught basic skills, has been a third-grade and fourth-grade teacher and is currently a fourth-grade teacher. Last year, they both focused on basic skills, which provides extra help for students needing remediation and extension for those students who are excelling. Students from both ends of the learning curve benefit from this enriched instruction.
Mrs. Coyle and Mrs. Meister have both been involved in what they like to call the “Breakfast Family”. It’s a heartwarming sight to witness these two teachers in action. Students who take advantage of the breakfast program are greeted with open arms and a loving hug each morning as they arrive. The teaching duo fills each child with love and encouragement to “make this a great day!”. These students start their school day with a smile on their face and inspiration to spread that enthusiasm and kindness to others.
Former student A.J. Reynolds will never forget the difference teachers like Mrs. Meister and Mrs. Coyle made in his life. He was falling a bit behind the other students in some of his third-grade classes. Mrs. Meister suspected a deeper problem and took the initiative to meet with A.J.’s parents and the Child Study Team, resulting in having him tested and evaluated. Consequently, the evaluation revealed he had a minor learning disability called Auditory Processing Disorder. Due to this discovery, they were able to get specialized help for A.J. The family believes he would have struggled in middle school and high school if Mrs. Meister had not intervened in third grade. Currently, A.J. is in his junior year at Temple University studying to become an elementary school teacher with a concentration in special education. In A.J.’s words, “Mrs. Meister’s love and passion for teaching are one of the reasons I have decided to pursue a career in teaching. I hope to make a positive impact and allow my students an equal opportunity to succeed as Mrs. Meister had done for me in third grade.”
These types of stories can be told over and over again as teachers like Mrs. Meister and Mrs. Coyle have inspired generations of students to excel in a nurturing and caring environment. They now refer to themselves as “grandteachers” since they find themselves teaching the children of former students. It is no surprise that both teachers have been awarded “Teacher of the Year”, Mrs. Meister in 2007 and Mrs. Coyle in 2013.
The two teachers sum up their teaching philosophy in these words, “As educators, we have always considered ourselves to be ‘bridge builders’, not only for the students and their growth, but their families, the school, and the community in general. As educators, we are called to be more than just purveyors of information and testing. It is imperative that our students know we have a genuine care and regard for their well-being. Nurturing students while supporting them to strive to be their best in and out of the classroom. Children today, more than ever, should have a clear understanding of how they are to treat one another, and how they too can be helpful and influential citizens in our society.”
Ask most any current or former student of these two teachers and they will tell you, “Mission Accomplished!”. Thank you to these hometown heroes for making South Jersey a better place both for the present and for future generations who have been inspired by them. And thank you to all of our teachers, best wishes for a wonderful school year!
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
