Tami Bacon: "I love children, and I try to give them the best of myself every day"
Tami Bacon
Office Support Clerk
Marshall Elementary School
Tami Bacon has served the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District since 2003. With nearly 22 years of experience in various roles within the district, Tami currently works as the Office Support Clerk at Marshall Elementary School in Seaside, where she’s been for over a decade.
Her career spans roles from transportation to teaching preschool, working as a school bus driver, and holding positions in the cafeteria. However, her longest tenure has been in school attendance, where she’s spent 12 years helping students and families thrive.
Tami's mornings at Marshall Elementary are focused on attendance, a critical aspect of student success. Her approach goes beyond simply marking students present or absent. Tami actively reaches out to families when students are chronically absent or late. Her role involves making phone calls to parents, offering support, and asking, "How can we help you get your child to school on time?"
Tami emphasizes that attendance isn't just about meeting requirements; it's about ensuring students are prepared for success. For Tami, being present sets the tone for the day.
"When children miss school, they miss more than lessons—they miss that connection with their teacher and classmates," she explains. "Even 10 or 15 minutes late can make a difference, especially in subjects like math. If you're missing the same part of class every day, it hampers your learning."
Tami sees attendance as more than just a statistic; it's about building habits that last a lifetime. She encourages families to establish routines that ensure students are on time and ready to learn.
Tami's connection with the students and their families at Marshall runs deep. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother and grandmother, she offers personal advice to families struggling with attendance. One of her most effective tips is something she calls "the jump pad," a designated spot where children place all their school essentials the night before, so they can quickly grab everything they need in the morning and head out the door stress-free.
"I always remind parents that setting routines, like having a bedtime schedule or making mornings exciting, can really help," Tami says. Whether it’s with a fun alarm clock or a special outfit for the next day, she believes small steps can have a big impact on encouraging children to be at school on time.
Tami’s passion for her job at Marshall Elementary shines through in everything she does. She describes the school environment as a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other.
"The staff here is amazing, like a family. We’ve been together for a long time, and it's a blessing to work here," she shares.
Tami’s connection to the military also gives her a special understanding of the challenges military families face. Having come from a long line of military service members herself, she finds joy in relating to young military families who are adjusting to new schools and environments.
One of the most touching moments for Tami came recently when a student hugged her and started crying, telling her she had missed her over the summer. The mother later explained that they had fought to stay at Marshall because of the positive environment and the care Tami and the rest of the staff provide.
"I love children, and I try to give them the best of myself every day," Tami says. Her mother once told her, "You don't know if you're the only adult that child will have a positive interaction with today," and she has carried that wisdom with her throughout her career.
With over two decades at MPUSD, Tami reflects on why she’s stayed with the district for so long.
"Sure, you could make more money in a different district," she admits, "but it’s about the people. The staff are good people, and it’s a comfortable, safe space."
At the district’s back-to-school rally, she was touched by how many people from across the district recognized her and called out to say hello. The relationships she has built have lasted years, and they continue to inspire her every day.
Tami’s journey at MPUSD has been rich with experiences, connections, and love for her work. Her dedication to the students, families, and staff at Marshall Elementary is evident, making her an invaluable part of the school community. Whether it’s ensuring students are present, on time, and ready to learn or providing a caring word when needed, Tami Bacon’s impact is felt by all those who cross her path.