LBUSD is excited to introduce a new series called "We're Grateful for You, ______," to highlight the individuals in our schools whose unique contributions make our school district great. To kick off our series, we’re spotlighting Mary Blanton from El Morro Elementary School. Hear what she has to say about her work, her passion, and what she's learned along the way. 

Mary Blanton has been a teacher at LBUSD for 35 years (going on 36), yet when you step into her classroom, you’d think it was her first day with how excited and passionate she still is.

She patiently waited as students solved problems out loud, shared stories about snakes and COVID, gently removed paint from a student's long hair, and greeted them with dances, hugs, and high-fives as they returned from recess. You can immediately feel the impact of her "day one" mentality on her students. She gives her full attention to each child, her radiant smile softening the hearts of everyone in the room. Her laughter and encouragement inspire you, just as they do her students, to reach for their dreams.

Mary Blanton is no ordinary teacher—she’s truly one of a kind. Whether she knows it or not, she has made a lasting difference and connects deeply with both students and staff.

Originally hired as a first-grade teacher, Mary has spent her entire career at El Morro Elementary. She’s taught many grade levels but spent 25 years teaching third grade before trying kindergarten for “just one year.” She laughed as she explained how her three biggest fears of teaching kindergarten all came true on that first day — talk about getting the nerves out early! She's loved many aspects of teaching and always says, "Put me where you need me." And while El Morro may have needed her in different classrooms, it seems her peers needed her even more. They describe her as curious, kind, genuine, and inspiring — qualities that clearly shine through in the way her students respond to her. You could see that when she cheerfully called out, "Hey, Club 19!" (her room number), and little voices echoed back, "Hey, Mrs. Blanton," as the room fell quiet.

Mary had the chance to share her experience in her own words. Check out the Q&A with her below.

Q: What inspired you to start your career path initially?

A. I knew I wanted to do something to make a difference in our world, and I loved to travel. I wasn't initially sure what career that would be. I was thinking maybe a geologist, marine biologist, or flight attendant. After helping to build a runway and medical clinic in Papua New Guinea, it was put on my heart that I might be a good match for teaching inner-city kids. Unfortunately, there was a job shortage, and I couldn't get hired. Long story short: I accepted a sub job in Laguna and was hired the next week as a temporary teacher (also proving that God has a sense of humor).

Q:  You have had longevity in your career. What motivates you to show up daily and continue doing this work despite incredible highs and lows?

A. I honestly love my job so much!! It's magical watching a child read their first words or write their first sentences, combining pictures, letters, and sound spelling to create something entirely their own. It still moves me when I see the wonder in their eyes when they discover the world around them, when they see a caterpillar munching on milkweed, a monarch gliding around our garden, or when they tenderly hold chicks and ducklings for the first time. I'm so grateful that parents trust me with their kids. It's not something I take lightly. I love traveling with families during this oh-so-sweet season of life. It brings me so much joy.

Q:  What do you want your legacy to be to students and staff?

A. You know, I've never thought about what I'd want my legacy to be. I want people to love each other well and leave our world a better place. Kindergartners do that!

Q:  What is one thing you wish you could say to yourself, knowing what you know now in your career?

A. Oh my gosh! There are so many things! You'll have to pick which one to use.

*Don't be afraid of a challenge. You are going to fail. That's a given. When you do, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, learn from your mistakes, and move on. As Julie Hatchel says, "Fail forward!"

*Also, lean into feedback, especially critical feedback. Everyone has blind spots. When people show you yours, listen, reflect, and refine your practice. If you operate in a world where everyone agrees with you, you won't grow. I truly believe it's essential to stay curious and open to ideas.

Q: What is the most powerful thing a student, parent, or staff member has told you that has changed you for the better?

A. This is not hyperbole! I learn something from my kids and parents every year. The one person who has changed my teaching practice in a major way was Gene Bedley (AMAZING educator), who once told me that every time we do something for a child that they can do for themselves, we have told them they don't need to try because we can do it faster and better. These words resonated with me. Whether this is tying their shoes, making their lunch, or, in my case, writing classroom charts, we are taking away a bit of their learning every time we do these things for them. One of the reasons I always wear an apron is that I tuck my hands in there to keep them from doing things for the kids that they need to learn to do themselves. Kindergartners can be so independent!! Beginning next week, the kids will take lunch count and run our morning meeting. Last year they planted our fairy garden and built our footbridge. These experiences empower kids and naturally build their confidence.