First-grade teachers and mother-daughter duo, Katy (left) and Sarah Tomlinson, are enjoying the rare opportunity to be classroom neighbors at William H. Frazier Elementary
This school year at William H. Frazier Elementary has brought a unique twist for first-grade teachers Katy Tomlinson and Sarah Tomlinson. After teaching second grade in Alabama, Sarah returned home and stepped into a first-grade teaching role after a colleague went on leave, taking over a classroom—right next door to her mom.
The timing worked out perfectly, and the duo quickly adjusted to being classroom neighbors. “Being neighbors and teammates is fun, because I can stick my head into her class or vice versa to ask a quick question or request something I need,” Katy shares. Their proximity makes collaborating effortless, whether they’re sharing lesson ideas or offering each other a quick hand during the school day.
For Katy, having Sarah as a teammate was a natural fit. “I am so proud of her and I knew without reservation that she would be an amazing asset to the first-grade team. She is a hard worker and will advocate tirelessly for her students. It’s amazing that I don’t have to explain every detail of everything to her—she just knows what to do.”
Sarah is equally excited about the opportunity to work with her mom. “When the opportunity came, I knew I had to take it because it’s rare to work at the same place as your mom, let alone be on the same team and next-door neighbors,” she explains. “I couldn’t be more proud to call her my coworker and mom. She’s the one who inspired me to become a teacher, so this is a special experience.”
The bond between them doesn’t go unnoticed by their students either. Some of Sarah’s students proudly approach Katy to tell her how kind they’ve been to “her baby girl.”
For both Katy and Sarah, teaching next door to each other is more than just convenient—it’s a rewarding experience they both treasure, and they’re making the most of it, one school day at a time.