While setting up this profile interview, Principal Tracey Makings discussed her vision for Sessions Elementary School is to have, “Students grow into globally-minded citizens who help make our world a better place to be in.” It is clear that Makings is committed to that vision for all of her 450 students, starting from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade.
A San Diego native, Makings grew up just east of Pacific Beach in Tierrasanta. In elementary school, she attended Vista Grande, middle school at De Portola, and high school at Canyon Hills High (formerly Serra High School).
Her college years started at Mesa College and then at National University graduating with a BA in interdisciplinary studies. She continued her college studies earning a multiple-subject teaching credential, a single-subject English teaching credential, and a master’s degree in education. Successful classroom teaching and a variety of administrative positions culminated three years ago with her arrival at Sessions Elementary in Pacific Beach.
What motivated Makings to pursue teaching as a career? She fondly remembers her second-grade teacher who she connected with over her love of reading. Her teacher later became the local branch librarian in Tierrasanta where the reading connection blossomed even further.
“I pursued teaching as my profession because learning and education are so important. Education can be an equalizer for many students and opens doors and opportunities for their future.”
Makings thoroughly enjoys her school community. “One of the many things I find special about Sessions is our amazing student population. We have just under 50% of our students living in a military-connected homes. Our military students have had opportunities to live in different parts of our country and even different parts of our world,” Makings said. “As an International Baccalaureate PYP school, we value that global perspective our students can bring to Sessions.”
Can you tell us more about what an International Baccalaureate PYP school is?
The title of International Baccalaureate (IB) school is used to designate a school, staff, and community that are dedicated to a unique instructional model and curriculum plan that emphasizes an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. All IB schools emphasize the development of a student’s learner profile: to be a knowledgeable, inquiring, open-minded, and respectful thinker. IB students will learn to communicate, take risks, act with integrity, and recognize their interdependence with other people and with the world.
As an International Baccalaureate (PYP) school, Session Elementary is designated as a Primary Years Program school. The PYP is the formative starting point for students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade to begin their IB journey.
Makings added: “We value that global perspective many of our students bring to Sessions Elementary. Overall, we have an amazing staff who all work so hard each day to create a wonderful learning experience for our students.”
Sessions Elementary was recently visited by an IB quality review team to evaluate the school’s IB instructional model. “After three days of reviewing student work samples, staff interviews, parent interviews, and speaking with students, we were awarded a five-year re-certification for our IB PYP program.” A well-earned accolade for a special and unique school.
Three fun facts about Makings: 1.) She is a cat lover. She is greeted every day by Stella and Alfredo. In addition, Makings and her family will foster kittens through the San Diego Humane Society a few times each year. 2.) Makings, her husband Travis, and her family is committed to philanthropy and community service. 3.) She reads a lot. Her favorite author growing up was Beverly Cleary and the Ramona series of books. “I loved that the books could have the same character throughout different plots, settings, and storylines. It was like watching a TV show in your head.”
