“I want every student to think back on 5th grade with a smile.” 

These are the words from our fifth-grade teacher, Connor Fodell. In his 5th year teaching at TFS, Fodell has a unique way of connecting with students and making them feel special. “When these kids grow up, they may not remember the specific lessons or things we say to them, but they will remember how we made them feel.” 

Fodell’s connection with TFS goes back 25 years ago. As a student, he was part of the school’s first kindergarten class and continued through 8th grade. But he never thought he would return as a teacher. In fact, during college, he changed his major three times from psychology to recreation and park management to elementary education. He began his career as a camp counselor, director, regional coordinator, and specialist at the Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department. 

But something kept pulling Fodell back to TFS. After applying and receiving the 5th-grade job in 2020, during his first teacher observation, then-principal Mike Watson wrote, You have found your passion. And Fodell genuinely believes he has. “I’ve quickly learned what an amazing, powerful effect we as teachers can have on the lives of thousands of people. The thing that motivates me the most is the fact that I can have such a positive impact on these lives and help them build great memories of childhood.”

A typical day inside Fodell’s classroom is filled with smiles and laughs. Students greet him in the morning by asking him how he is doing, and when Fodell asks them in return, they must answer with an adjective better than “good.” When they forget and accidentally say they’re “good,” Fodell acts worried and asks what’s wrong. This conversation usually results in them laughing and saying they’re actually “amazing,” “wonderful,” or “terrific.” He shares, “I think the kids enjoy my class because I make them laugh, and I try really hard to build personal relationships with each individual student, even when they’re shy at first.”

Nancy Slone has worked alongside Fodell in 5th grade since his first year in 2020. She agrees that he makes the students laugh and keeps the 5th-grade team fun and enjoyable. “One of my favorite things about how Connor teaches is that he works very hard with our 5th graders on their manners,” shares Slone. “He asks them to greet him each morning as they enter the room, making eye contact and using a formal morning greeting.  Sometime around 3rd trimester, he conducts what he calls ‘Manners or Formal Day.’ The kids can dress in their Sunday best, and we all walk around speaking very formally to not only each other but also to the students. They love this day so much, and so do I.”

Fodell’s other fellow 5th-grade teacher, Stacey Kababik, has the unique experience of first teaching Math to Fodell in 5th grade and now working alongside him. “It took him a while to feel comfortable calling me by my first name,” Kababik shares, “but he is a conscientious teammate, has excellent ideas, and is a large part of why we make such a strong 5th-grade team.”

Jennifer Davis, Assistant Principal, shares her perspective on Fodell's impact on his students: “Mr. Fodell inspires his students always to do their best, and he relates to them in such a unique way as a former student. His down-to-earth and candid approach to teaching resonates with the children. He makes learning fun.”

When Fodell was in 8th grade at TFS, he hit his head so hard on the basketball pole at recess that they had to call an ambulance. One of the teachers at the time had all the kids sign a baseball helmet for Fodell to help protect his head in the future. He shares, “This was a beautiful demonstration of something that’s always been true about TFS. We are a loving, caring, and happy community that goes above and beyond to support those around us. Though buildings are painted, renovations are completed and faces change, the core of this school is built on community.  I still feel that when I hear the sounds of joyful children on campus, just like I felt it 25 years ago.”