by Kamalika Bezzam and Noelle Duncan, 

As Southeast Alamance High School grows, new teachers join the herd of Stallion faculty. Many teachers were hired this year including Mrs. Teri Rasa. Within the Social Studies Department, Mrs. Rasa teaches World History. It is clear that Mrs. Rasa loves working with the students at Southeast.

A strong knowledge in her subject area, Rasa reflects on the experience she brings to Southeast. "There are a few things I love about my job. One is being able to share my interest and passion about World History and helping students have a greater understanding of why the world is the way it is. Another is helping students have the "lightbulb" moments. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student who was struggling with a concept suddenly grasp it and make the connection. I love seeing students find pride in their accomplishments. Finally, I really value the opportunity to build relationships with young people, guiding them not just in history, but also in developing critical thinking, resilience and organization," Rasa said.

Mrs. Rasa credits the community and morale at Southeast for being a major reason for joining the staff. “Coming to Southeast was a great decision for me. I have found the students and staff incredibly welcoming. I’ve been really impressed by the dedication of the students to create inclusive communities, and the great morale among faculty. I feel genuinely supported by my department chair,” she said.

Mrs. Rasa’s guiding principle is understanding that each student must balance school, family and community. To Mrs. Rasa, the diversity of the students is an importat aspect to keep in mind as a teacher. “Every student is different, and we don’t always see the full picture of what they’re going through outside of school. A challenging situation often means not knowing how to offer the right support and empathy," Rasa said.

Not only does Rasa embrace her role as a history teacher, she started a new yoga stretch break during WIN time at Southeast. She believes yoga stretch can be helpful for students' wellness, stress and with the ability to stay focused. 

As Southeast welcomes more and more teachers, the growth is nothing but positive.