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LSEM > Wow Story > A Familiar Face in a New Space

A Familiar Face in a New Space

  • July 23, 2025
  • Posted by: Caitlin McCallum
  • Category: Wow Story
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~written by Stacie Price, LSEM teacher at Yuma Lutheran School in Yuma, AZ~

When I started my new position at Yuma Lutheran School in August 2024, the Arizona heat was its usual oppressive self; an old friend to another school year. However, everything else was new and … different. I needed to learn new things with new people: school administration, teaching staff, parents, students, and, of course, all things Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM). While I accepted the challenge, I faced it with fear. My 10×10 space became a bit lonely. But when I opened my file cabinet to study the names and unique qualities of each student on my caseload, there it was: JV. What? Could this be true? A student I already knew? Indeed, it was just that. A familiar face – from a different school. Long ago we met and she moved on, but once again, we found each other.

Moving forward through my days at YLS, JV became my most inspirational student. She struggles with reading skills, but perseveres in every situation and always has a positive attitude. Her spark, smile, and giggle encourages not only her peers, but also the adults with whom she works. She and I spent time together multiple days a week across subject areas, but considering that she is in 8th grade and getting ready to move on to high school, we agreed as a team, this spring I would reduce my visits to allow her to become more independent.

It wasn’t so much that JV opened my eyes to opportunities at YLS; instead, it was God who stood by my side even when I was frozen with my own insecurities. He used her to remind me that “We can do this” – she in her academic journey, and me in my career. He chose us. He made us stronger – together and apart from one another.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

To summarize my year: I worked with our Junior High School team and met incredible teachers who supported both JV and me. I met moms and dads who smiled at their children’s successes and wept because of their challenges. The classroom teachers worked diligently to help me provide a continuum of service between the curriculum and assignments when I pulled students out of their classrooms. We collaborated with our local school district to obtain psycho/academic evaluations and develop plans based on IDEA eligibility. My year: it was fantastic. My prayer is that the students and their families feel the same way.