DIXON – Molly Ferguson always wanted to be famous.

To the students in her Washington School kindergarten class, she is.

All it takes is a lot of love.

“I want them to know that I love that they’re here, and I love to be their teacher,” Ferguson said.

Creating an environment that helps students love coming to school every day is one of Ferguson’s primary goals. It’s also one of the reasons why she is November’s recipient of Sauk Valley Media and KSB Hospital’s Dixon Amazing Teachers Award.

Ferguson, 44, has taught kindergarten for 23 years. She didn’t have that grade in mind while studying at Western Illinois University, but now she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“Some people, you just think in your life there is a calling for you,” she said. “Every job is going to have those aspects where it’s not always pleasant, but I’m one of those lucky people who can wake up 99 percent of time so excited to come here.”

Though her own kindergarten days back home in Erie are behind here, there are days when the little girl in her still comes out. She incorporates singing and dancing into her curriculum and even can show the kids how to do a cartwheel.

She’ll adapt children’s songs to reflect the daily class routine. When her students were ready to be dismissed for P.E. class, they lined up to “If you’re ready for the hallway, say ‘I am,’” to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.”

Washington Principal Jeff Gould admires her contagious enthusiasm.

“She means a lot to all of the kids who’ve gone through her class,” Gould said. “She’s a very energetic teacher and shows the same amount of love for each and every student that she encounters, whether they are in her classroom or outside the classroom.”

One of Ferguson’s greatest joys is marking the changes in her students, from their first day of school to their last.

“They are completely different people. They come in just needing to really learn everything from square one,” she said. “You get to the end of the year, and there’s a level of independence ... it makes you feel so proud inside; you’re proud of yourself, you’re proud of the kids.”

Sue Nag of Dixon is a big fan. Ferguson taught her son, Dylan, 3 years ago.

She knows how to make children feel “like a million bucks” and believe in themselves, Nag said.

“He still talks about her and the activities they did in the classroom. We think she was the best possible start for him in his education. She is a dedicated teacher who has a knack for getting the highest level of work from the kids while still being playful and encouraging.”

While she maintains her positive attitude during the day, there are some days when the rigors of teaching can bring disappointment. Her husband, Eric, teaches eighth-grade social studies at Reagan Middle School in town, and they help each other get through the challenges.

“I think as teachers, we’re the hardest on ourselves,” she said. “You never think that you’re enough ... every day I come to work and I hope I’m what the kids need, regardless of academics, emotional or just a little bit of love.”

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How amazing is your teacher?

Do you know an amazing teacher at Dixon Public Schools, St. Anne Elementary or St. Mary Elementary? Nominate him or her for the Dixon's Amazing Teachers monthly contest.
Nominations for November will be accepted from Dec. 16 to 22. Four finalists will be chosen for a vote until Dec. 29. Go to saukvalley.secondstreetapp.com/dixonamazing to vote or for more information.