BY KERRY MARSH
Enquirer Contributor
READING -- Two young teachers in the Reading City School District have followed their mothers' footsteps through the halls and into the classroom.
For the first time, the district boasts two mother-daughter teams: second-grade teacher Maureen Ward and her daughter, Rachel, who teaches sixth-grade science and geography, and Title I Coordinator Terry Ward, whose daughter Candy teaches English at the high school.
"It's nice to see that some kids still want to be like their parents," Superintendent John Varis said. "I tease them a lot. I'm always threatening to send the moms into the daughters' classrooms."
Terry Nichols has been teaching for 26 years. Candy, now in her third year at Reading High, helped her prepare for classes and decorate bulletin boards over the years.
"I'd like to think that my experience made a good impression on her," Mrs. Nichols said. "Her first year, I watched her go through tough times. It brought back a lot of memories."
For Maureen and Rachel Ward, working in the same district is icing on the cake.
Rachel Ward graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 1996, and was teaching in the Winton Woods district when Maureen graduated from NKU in 1997.
When Rachel Ward was laid off last spring because of budget cuts, Maureen encouraged her to apply at Reading. Now, they plan to take classes together at Wright State University to earn their master's degrees.
"I am just so proud of my mom for sticking with it and going back to school," Rachel Ward said.
All four were hired separately, said Dr. Varis, who hopes the relationships provide mentoring opportunities.
"I told both daughters that I expect them to ask their moms all the questions that you are afraid to ask your boss or other experienced teachers," he said. "Generally, first-year teachers are reluctant to ask for the help that is readily available."
Although neither pair works in the same building, all four said the experience has provided an extra measure of support.
"We discuss problems or give each other suggestions," said Maureen Ward. "I am overwhelmed with pride to see her handling herself in a professional manner and to see people treating her with dignity and respect."
Mrs. Nichols shared the same sense of pride.
"When they introduced Candy on the first day to the staff, and mentioned that she was my daughter, I had tears in my eyes," she said.
