Get to know this English teacher!

This is the eighth installment of The Spartan Times’ series, The Teacher Feature, which shares with our readers more insight into the teachers who lead us each day.

Known to her students as Ms. Quarles or Ms. Q, Sally Quarles teaches a variety of English classes including AP Seminar, Pre-YCCC and YCCC, and the very popular elective, Inside the Criminal Mind.

Ms. Quarles has been teaching at SHS for six years. She moved cross country after nearly 25 years of living in Colorado and Utah, where she had a different career in law enforcement – so don’t mess with her!

Here’s some information and fun facts you may not have known about her:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a mom of three, and two of my kids are adults now and I have an 8-year-old at home. I am from “out west” and I say that because I was born in Texas, moved to Wyoming as a small child and grew up in Jackson Hole. After I graduated high school, I moved to Colorado where I lived for almost 20 years. Then, I moved to Utah where I lived for 5 years before I moved to Maine. (See? “Out-west”!)

Being an educator is my second career. I was in law enforcement before becoming a teacher. However, I was not what I consider a “cool-kid”. I was in a supportive role as a Civilian Investigator, a Public Information Officer, and I spent a small time working in the county jail. My entire family is/was in law enforcement. My dad is a retired police chief, my mom was a clerk of the court, my brother is currently a detective in Maine, and my sister is a 911 dispatcher in Colorado. Although I enjoyed my time at the Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, I am very happy with my role at Sanford High School.

If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?

Optimistic, Resourceful, Resilient.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to take photos (landscapes mostly), hike, fish, cook, and bake. I also love interior design and renovating.

What is your favorite and least favorite part about living and teaching in Maine? 

I think my favorite part about living and teaching in Maine is the people. Yes, my students! I enjoy their humor and friendliness. Also, being from the Rocky Mountains, I love the ocean in Maine. Least favorite? Well, if I must, I suppose the weather. In my old age, I’m liking winter less.

What made you want to become a teacher? 

The love of English and the desire to share that with students.

How long have you been teaching at Sanford? What do you like about teaching here? (Is there anything you dislike about it?) 

Six years. The SHS English Department is the BEST department in the whole world.

Where else have you taught? And, if you could teach one other subject or class, what would it be? 

I was an Ed Tech and did my student teaching in Utah. I would love to teach art!

Is there anything else about you that you’d like our readers to know about you? Or do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share? 

I enjoy sports! In high school, I was seeded third in the Shot Put heading into States, and I broke my leg right before I could compete.