Victoria Isaacs Has Four Children at Home, But Raises Hundreds More at Colonie High

By Jordan Orenstein

March 27, 2023

Despite her hectic and bustling life, Victoria Isaacs made time for me. She cleared her desk and leaned back, patiently waiting for her interview to commence. With many years of teaching under her belt, Mrs. Isaacs is no stranger to somewhat invasive questioning, but admitted she was nervous for what was to come. Although she may not be able to see it, she has easily transferred the nurturing and comforting aura she sustains from her everyday life into that of the lives of students at Colonie Central High School, which I was reminded of during our conversation.

Issacs began her professional career at a rural school in Salem, New York. She recalls that during her first week of teaching, the nation was shaken by the attacks of 9/11. Honest and open at heart, it was no surprise for her to tell me how different it was teaching back then. She said both the kids and the parenting styles have changed over the years, and the prevalence of cellphones has affected everyone.

Despite many changes, she remains a picture of tranquility and compassion to everyone around her. When teaching her students, they all lean toward her, engrossed in what she has to say, and sit with relaxed posture and captivated eyes. Her motherly relationship to her students is obvious, and her honesty about what is going on in her life instills a sense of comfort and connection.

“I love what I do. I don't consider it to be a job. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, because of guys like you”, she said to me.

Everyone I spoke to about her had nothing but wonderful things to say about Isaacs. One of her previous students, Kailey Barger, mentioned that talking to Mrs. Isaacs comes easy, and she is always there when you need someone to lean on.

Personable, comforting, and funny, even those who have not had the opportunity to be in her class, have been impacted by her character. Mia Pierre met Mrs. Isaacs by stepping into her classroom with other students, and she has been close with her ever since. Pierre noted how Isaacs is always quick to discuss her family, especially her children, and it's obvious to see how much she cares about others. Pierre also mentioned that the strength she has seen in Mrs. Isaacs is inspiring and has changed her outlook on life.

The word ‘comforting’ has come up with everyone I talked to about Mrs. Isaacs, as the safe space she creates is tangible. One of Isaacs’ previous students, Zora Washington, feels as though she is treated like one of Mrs. Isaacs’ children, and relies on her for advice and support to get her through tough times. She wanted Isaacs to know that having someone so loving in her corner for all these years is a reason she will be able to walk across the stage this June.

When she is not teaching ninth grade English to incoming freshmen, Mrs. Isaacs is kept busy raising four children of her own. After having her second daughter, Allison, she decided to put teaching on the back burner and stay at home with her kids. Soon after, she was surprised to find out she was having twin boys. While she stayed home with her kids for about ten years, she came back to teaching once she began missing her identity as an individual. With two daughters and two sons at home, her life is far from calm, but she finds peace in her children and mentions that while it can be a lot to juggle, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Mrs. Isaacs, as she is thoughtfully known to her students, and Vicky to her colleagues, is the perfect depiction of a strong woman, though she is far too humble to admit it. When I mentioned that one of her coworkers, Christine Meglino, referred to her as superwoman, she simply laughed it off and said, “I don't think I’m a superwoman. I rely a lot on my colleagues, I'm only a ‘superwoman’ because they help me.” She noted how it takes a village, and sometimes it's necessary to put away the pride and ask other people for help.

Modest, she is somewhat blind to the faith and pride that others have in her. She laughed when she brought up how Mr. Kachadurian once had her take the microphone during a meeting, and said how much she hates speaking in front of her peers. But, to an outsider looking in, it would seem that Kachadurian has the utmost faith in her abilities, though she may not always notice it herself. Her ability to captivate a room full of people just further goes to show how much her presence is valued and respected by others.

Toward the end of our interview, I decided to move in a heavier direction, and asked about her biggest regret. With a deep breath, she said she regrets how she let others stop her from doing what she truly wanted to do. “Don't let somebody else restrict you from doing what you want to do. Go live your life”, she said. The epitome of wisdom and grace, it would be foolish for anyone reading to not take her advice. She told me how you must seize the day, and pursue things outside your comfort zone to grow.

Mrs. Isaacs has always wanted to be a teacher, ever since she was a little girl, and now she is living that dream everyday. But, she is not just any teacher whom you forget about after you graduate, as the impact she has had on her students will withstand the test of time. The belief she has in those she influences, and her unwavering ability to bring out the best in every soul she touches cannot be matched. She leads her classes everyday with love, passion, and care, that of which will never go unnoticed.