For many teachers, they can only see themselves teaching at one level — whether that be elementary, middle or high school. However, family and consumer sciences teacher Tanya Barnes has taught all three. Her teaching career started at Wolf Springs Elementary School, where she was a paraprofessional in the special education department.

“After two years of doing that, I [became a] STEM electives teacher,” Tanya said. “[The students] came to me and we did all things STEM — science, technology, engineering and math.”

Tanya said she liked the elective style of her STEM class because it allowed her to see multiple groups of students throughout the day every day. Tanya also said she enjoyed teaching elementary school and her favorite part was being around the younger students all day.

“Little kids are very sweet; they love to give hugs and draw you pictures,” Tanya said. “I did love that; I miss their little hugs.”

After student teaching and teaching elementary school for five years, Tanya transitioned to middle school, which she said was scary after getting a degree in elementary education. After deciding to move on from elementary school, Tanya began teaching the culinary arts classes at Aubry Bend Middle School. Tanya said she chose to teach culinary because it’s a hobby of hers, and would still allow her to teach an elective class.

“I got my endorsement to teach family and consumer sciences; I chose that because I enjoy cooking and I would [still] get to see everybody and get to know a lot of students,” Tanya said. “I loved middle school; I really enjoyed being there to talk with kids and form those relationships during [a] really big developmental [time] in their life.”

While teaching elementary, middle and high school, Tanya has taught at each school her own children have gone to. She had her son, Jackson Barnes, in class when he was in elementary and middle school. Jackson said there are advantages of having his mom work at his school.

“If I ever feel down, she’s always there, and I can go to her room,” Jackson said. “Most moms aren’t at school with their kids, but she is, so I feel like we’ve grown closer over the years than a lot of moms and their kids.”

Tanya said she enjoys teaching at the same school as her children, which has been convenient and allowed her to be around for all of the fun moments.

“The absolute best part is that I’ve never missed anything,” Tanya said. “For a lot of parents, it’s hard to get off [work] and be there for the class parties and things like that. [But] I’ve gotten to be there for a lot of things that [some] parents miss, so that’s been really awesome.”

After teaching at Aubry Bend for three years, Tanya transitioned to Southwest. Although she was happy at Aubry Bend, she said teaching at the high school allowed her to continue teaching only culinary arts, which would’ve changed at the middle school.

“Next school year, when the new middle school opens, [FACS] will go back down to a one-teacher position at Aubry Bend, so I would’ve had to teach sewing and cooking,” Tanya said. “While I can sew … I knew I wanted to try and find a position where I could just teach cooking.”

Tanya said the transition to high school was scary at first, but so far has been good.

“I was a little nervous that I was making the wrong choice because I loved teaching middle school and wasn’t unhappy at [Aubry Bend], but I wanted to follow where I could just teach cooking,” Tanya said. “Looking back, it was a great decision and Madie [Kirch and] all [of] the FACS teachers [have] been super helpful.”

Tanya said she enjoys the longer class periods — allowing her to do more with her students on a day-to-day basis. She said teaching at multiple levels has also allowed her to grow and better herself as a teacher.

“I love block scheduling — it’s phenomenal, especially when it comes to a culinary arts class; it’s broadened our horizons,” Tanya said. “As [my kids] have grown and matured, so has my teaching ability — earning degrees and endorsements.”

Throughout her time as a teacher, there are a few students Tanya has had at all three schools. One of those students is junior Cole Eckart, who currently has Tanya for culinary arts I. Eckart said he has enjoyed having Tanya as a teacher over the years.

“My favorite part about having her [in elementary school] was that she was one of our specials classes, so we always looked forward to that and it was always a fun class,” Eckart said.

Tanya said she enjoys having Eckart as a student and it has been cool to have him in elementary, middle and high school.

“Getting to see him learn more skills and become a better chef has been really great,” Tanya said. “He’s fun and funny to talk with. He laughs at my stupid jokes which is nice, [he] kind of humors me.”

Eckart said the way they interact has changed since elementary school, and he has enjoyed having her later in school.

“Since we’re older now, she doesn’t have to be as strict. Now, she’s more of a mentor than [before],” Eckart said. “She’s always very outgoing and happy, and it’s pretty hard to be in a bad mood in her class.”

Tanya said she has enjoyed having multiple students at multiple stages, which allows her to see the growth and development of each individual, as well as develop better relationships. Teaching at multiple schools has also allowed her to be more present with her own children. Barnes said that she hopes she has made a difference in her students’ lives.

“When I look at some kids, I still see that tiny little face I remember from elementary school,” Tanya said. “Or they’ll have little mannerisms or things that I recognize and remember from when they were little.”