U2L Liaison Spotlight:
How a retired teacher found her calling as a United to Learn Liaison
From the earliest days of United to Learn, Dallas ISD District 5 Trustee Byron Sanders has been a trusted friend and champion of the organization. This year, that connection became even more special when we met someone close to him: his mother, Mollie Sanders.
A retired educator with 26 years of classroom experience, including nine years as a math coach in Oak Cliff, Mollie has always been an advocate for students and teachers. But retirement didn’t slow her down. Instead, it opened the door to a new way to serve.
Discovering United to Learn
Last spring, when U2L Liaison Manager Jody Swartzwelder was gearing up for recruiting season, Byron learned about the initiative and had a simple suggestion: “Call my mom.”
At the time, Mollie was already deeply involved in schools. She was tutoring daily, subbing frequently, and spending a great deal of time at Turner Elementary, filling gaps wherever teachers were needed, especially as a fourth-grade math tutor. Byron knew her heart for education and her willingness to step in, and United to Learn proved to be the perfect fit.
“I knew I could do it,” Mollie said. “And thank goodness for Jody—I knew she would support me.”
A Natural Fit as a Liaison
The U2L Liaison Program relies on personal initiative, strong relationships, and each volunteer’s interpretation of how best to serve their campus. For Mollie, that meant fully immersing herself in school life.
She was matched with Clara Oliver Elementary, her neighborhood school, and a source of deep personal connection. Mollie already knew Principal Freeman and had longstanding ties to the Oak Cliff community. “I felt a calling to Clara Oliver,” she shared. “I’m exactly where I need to be.”
With the guidance of Regional Campus Manager Brittney Howell, Mollie focused on learning the school inside and out. She spent time with the front office staff, attended parent meetings and Title I meetings, and worked to understand the culture of the campus—now serving a predominantly Hispanic community. “You’ve got to know the school,” she said. “You chat with people, learn the needs, adapt to the schedule, and then figure out how you can fit into that.”
Showing Up Where Help is Needed
Mollie’s impact quickly went far beyond traditional liaison activities. When the District called for substitutes, she stepped in to teach second and third grade, including one memorable day with 28 second graders. When students needed extra academic support, Mollie was there.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday, she supports math instruction and provides individualized tutoring, pulling small groups of students who need extra help with reading and foundational skills. “I taught math for years,” she said, “and even when students don’t know their numbers yet, I know how to meet them where they are.”
She now spends several days a month on campus, seamlessly blending tutoring, classroom support, and encouragement for staff.
Encouragement Through Connection
As a liaison, Mollie brings joy and appreciation to her campus by thoughtfully utilizing United to Learn resources to support staff and students alike. From National Coffee Day treats and lunches for the front office to impactful campus enhancements like a library transformation and Learning Launch resources, she ensures her school is fully benefiting from all that U2L has to offer.
She makes a point to recognize everyone who keeps the school running, including custodians. “We have to recognize our custodial caretakers as well,” she said. “They are essential for running a school.” And on Principals’ Day, she ensured Principal Freeman felt celebrated and valued.
“I’m backed by a support structure that lets me give more,” Mollie explained. “It’s a treat to be able to tap into U2L’s resources to encourage people who give so much every single day.”
Exactly Where She’s Meant to Be
Mollie’s journey with United to Learn is deeply personal. She credits her faith and her community for guiding her path, first through Concord Church and later through being “sent” to Clara Oliver Elementary.
“I love what I do,” she said. “I’m so grateful that I was introduced to United to Learn. It’s about going where God wants you to be.”
United to Learn is grateful for Mollie Sanders, a retired teacher whose experience, heart, and initiative have made her a superstar liaison and an incredible asset to the schools she serves.
Are you interested in becoming a United to Learn liaison for a Dallas ISD elementary school?
Learn more here or email [email protected].