Lynette Stant
Salt River Elementary School
Scottsdale, AZ USA
"My 'Plan B'—little did I know—was my calling."
Career Roadmap
Lynette's work combines: Education, Science, and Teaching / Mentoring
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
After applying for Teacher of the Year, I was sure that I failed the interview. It a very intense interview and I didn't think I even had a chance because indigenous people aren't recognized in these spaces. I ended up winning! My school held an assembly for me the next day and a young Navajo student said to me, "You're just like me." That was the moment I realized the impact I could make in this space and I knew that all of the turmoil and doubt during the interview process was worth it.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Elementary Education and Teaching
Arizona State University
Graduate Degree
Education, General
Grand Canyon University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was raised on the Navajo Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona.
2.
Growing up, my parents didn’t speak the Navajo language to us because they were trying to adhere to the school system, which wanted everyone to conform and exclusively speak English.
3.
I didn’t initially plan to become a teacher—I originally went into college thinking I’d become an attorney.
4.
When my daughter was born and I became a single mom, I decided to pursue my backup plan and become a teacher.
5.
Within a few years of teaching, I had developed a passion for it and knew that it was my calling.
6.
In 16 years of teaching on the Salt River Indian Reservation, I’ve been focused on positively impacting and showing representation for Indigenous students and our community and culture.
7.
I was honored as the 2020 Arizona Teacher of the Year—I’m the first Indigenous woman to hold this space in the history of the award.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I failed my interview for Teacher of the Year. I'm not going to get it. Indigenous people don't hold those spaces.
How I responded:
After applying for Teacher of the Year, I was sure that I failed the interview. It a very intense interview and I didn't think I even had a chance because indigenous people aren't recognized in these spaces. I ended up winning! My school held an assembly for me the next day and a young Navajo student said to me, "You're just like me." That was the moment I realized the impact I could make in this space and I knew that all of the turmoil and doubt during the interview process was worth it.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My partner left the relationship immediately after I became pregnant. As a single mom, I was going to do everything in my power to make a good life for my child. I decided to pursue teaching, which was my backup plan, and it ended up all working out.
I almost quit during my first year of teaching. I had a difficult student, a lot of work, and no help. After some encouragement, I realized that I could make a difference if I just stay and persevere. If I leave these kids, who's going to help them?