Only a handful of teachers can say that they’ve seen it all. Mr Lane and Coach Tidwell can say with certainty that they’ve seen it all at 10700 Legacy Drive.

They have taken the same walk from their cars to their classrooms each morning for the past 18 years.

“In the process of being here, I have taught different classes and been in different roles,” said Mr. Laine, the Advanced Placement world history and US history teacher. “I think the one thing that you always come back to, the whole point of the profession is that you’re trying to help other people improve themselves,” said Mr. Laine.

The long hours created a deep personal investment for Mr. Laine, who remains committed to the school and its students. His commitment to helping others has kept him anchored to the school, never questioning his decision to stay. Before joining Wakeland and the founding staff 18 years and three months ago, Mr. Laine taught in Plano.

“It’s not just the hours,” said Mr. Laine. “I kind of have put life force into the walls of the building. I’ve seen a lot of things happen here and I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time in the building.”

While Mr. Laine has been spending his time in the classroom, Coach Tidwell has been a spectator of a Wakeland Sports Legacy.

“Growing up in a sports family, teaching was kind of how I was raised. My dad has been doing it for so long and my brother and my mom was a special education teacher for 30 years.”

Like Mr. Laine, Tidwell has become more than just a teacher – he serves as a foundational pillar of the school community.

“I couldn’t imagine what I’m what else I would be doing because I feel like I was I’m born for this.”

As Coach Tidwell and Mr. Laine reflects on their time well spent at Wakeland, they look forward to the years to come.

“My son has got one more year of daycare,” said Coach Tidwell. “He’ll start kindergarten next year, so I’ve got 13 years left in my career and the plan is to be a Wakeland Wolverine.

“I just think that would be a very unique and rare opportunity.”