04/09/2026
Carol Flynn (Top Left) is a dedicated Grade 2 teacher at Forestdale who brings warmth, experience, and a strong sense of community to her classroom. A fun fact about Carol is that she proudly runs a growing “girl squad,” with four granddaughters and another on the way this April! Carol became a union representative because she believes in supporting teachers and values the importance of standing together so all staff feel supported. What she loves most about teaching is being part of the Forestdale community. She values the unique PreK–2 model, describing it as “a school of little people,” and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch students grow before heading to Oak Ridge. Her advice to new teachers is simple and meaningful: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The best ideas and support come from those around you!” Outside of school, Carol enjoys walking along the canal and finds peace at the National Seashore.
Mikayla Shaw (Top Right) is an IT ESP at Forestdale who brings enthusiasm and a strong sense of community to her role. A fun fact about Mikayla is that she’s a twin, and four out of five members of her family work in the school district—and are members of the SEA! Mikayla became a union representative to support her coworkers and learn more about how the union advocates for staff. She is passionate about helping both students and colleagues and enjoys learning new skills she can bring back to her work. Her advice to new teachers is simple but powerful: “Lean on your peers—they want to help. Our schools work because of our community!” Outside of school, Mikayla enjoys playing video games and watching movies with friends.
Julia Crosby (Bottom Right) is a devoted teacher at Forestdale who brings compassion, experience, and a strong sense of community to her role. A proud grandmother of six, Julia finds great joy and inspiration in her family, which is reflected in the care she shows her students each day. She became a union representative because she is committed to supporting her colleagues, helping them feel heard, and guiding them in understanding the contract. What she loves most about teaching is helping students develop emotional awareness and coping skills. She encourages new teachers to build strong relationships and recognize the strengths in every student, as this can transform both learning and classroom culture. Outside of school, Julia enjoys cooking and sharing meals with family and friends.
