Interviews With Staff
The Leopard Chronicle's staff talks with various teachers/coaches for each issue so everyone can learn about the amazing employees we have! We hope you enjoy...
The Leopard Chronicle's staff talks with various teachers/coaches for each issue so everyone can learn about the amazing employees we have! We hope you enjoy...
How long have you been a teacher?
Thirteen years
How long have you been here at LE?
Twelve years
Tell us about yourself if you want to:
I'm a lover of all things outdoors -specifically hiking in the mountains. I enjoy gardening, making food from scratch, and spending time with the people I love.
What subject do you teach?
English
What makes you a unique teacher?
I feel as though my ability to meet a child where they are and understand their learning styles makes me unique. When you build a relationship with students and they try to understand them beyond coursework, they are able to truly grow.
What is your teaching philosophy?
A teacher's responsibility is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that allows students to flourish and achieve their true potential
What motivates you?
I am the type of person who thrives when I am in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Because of this, I am driven to provide that culture for my alma mater.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
I was involved in everything under the sun. I enjoyed class but I lived for my extracurriculars. I was involved in many leadership programs, a cheerleader, an athlete, and a member of the choir and theatre programs.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
I present as an extrovert, but I am truly introverted to the core.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
Watching a student build confidence and believe in themselves touches my heart every time!
Tell us about one of your own teachers who made an impression on you.
There are too many to list! I very much thrived growing up in the Liberty-Eylau community and had so many inspiring teachers.
How do you want your students to remember you?
I want my students to remember me as a safe place: someone they could always count on and confide in.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Grading Essays.
Any final thoughts?
#LPND!! I love being a lifelong leopard and am proud to be using my talents to strengthen the community I grew up in.
How long have you been a teacher?
Thirty-three years
How long have you been here at LE?
Thirty-two years
Tell us about yourself if you want to:
I have three boys their names are Chase, Cutter, and Davion. I recently became a Mee-Maw to Kye Webb I've been married to Justin for 26 years, and we have a Golden Doodle named Maggie Mae. I love to not be bothered. So this includes my fireplace, my bed, snacks, Netflix, and books. I love anything outdoors as long as it is above 75 degrees.
What subject do you teach?
College and Career Readiness- and I proctor several college classes.
What makes you a unique teacher?
I try to teach life lessons and not just what the state mandates. I also try to get to know my students and what they love and are passionate about.
What is your teaching philosophy?
We should try and educate students to become productive citizens. Not everyone is college-bound, and that is okay. Choose your own type of success!
What motivates you?
MONEY.. just kidding! I don't make any money - money. My family and my friends.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
I got straight A's Except for math, and then I was on the struggle bus...still am. I never stopped talking, and I got several C's in conduct to prove it. I was involved in everything.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
I got married 3 weeks after going on a blind date.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
Oh, the students, definitely the students. I love seeing my seniors excited about the next chapter in their lives.
Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.
My high school English teacher. I still go to her house for brunch and hang out by her pool to visit. Her class was very hard, but she made it fun. She treated you like an adult as long as you behaved like one.
How do you want your students to remember you?
That I loved them!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Trying to get the seniors to understand that they are about to be in the real world. So that means being on time, being prepared, caring and not being lazy about things that are important.
How long have you been a teacher?
Seventeen years
How long have you been here at LE?
Fifteen years
Tell us about yourself if you want to:
I am married with two kids I love to play and watch soccer, and I like fishing.
What subject do you teach?
Math
What makes you a unique teacher?
To make it easier to understand, I make math make sense to students. I make them want to learn and come to class and students have said that math makes a lot of sense now.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Every child is capable of doing math, but some will require more time, so teachers need to show more patience towards them. Also, I will treat every student with respect and be nice to them.
What motivates you?
Smiling students, helpful coworkers, and admin.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
I was just a normal student. I took education seriously, but I also had fun with friends.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
Not sure. I am from Nepal (Asia). My wife is from The Netherlands (Europe). I love traveling to other countries.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
Students success. I also think I have made math enjoyable for most of my students.
Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.
I don't have one particular teacher however, most of my teachers were good since they were all trying to help me learn.
How do you want your students to remember you?
As a good person and probably the best math teacher they had.
what is the most challenging part of your job?
That it's not possible to make everyone happy!
How long have you been a teacher?
16 Years
How long have you been here at LE?
16 Years
Tell us about yourself if you want to:
I am a father and a husband. I have 3 three children. I am a member of the Omega PSI Phi fraternity.
What subject do you teach?
African American studies, world geography, and finance.
What makes you a unique teacher?
I have remarkable resilience and dedication to becoming the man God created me to be.
What is your teaching philosophy?
As a former athlete and coach, I believe education, like sports, is about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. My goal is to create an environment where students are challenged to think critically, empowered, and inspired to beyond their perceived limits.
What motivates you?
Seeing results from my work motivates me to give even more effort. Sometimes, my faith helps me with the final outcome.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
I was unmotivated in high school to give my best effort. I just did enough to get by, but college pushed me to find a high aspiration to better myself.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
I've been collecting comics since I was a kid and making money off them.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
To see the growth in a student has been the biggest victory. No trophy nor award can ever compare.
Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.
Coach Bennie Reese. He would say, " Brandon, if you do it today, you won't have to worry about tomorrow. Preparation is your primary tool for success."
How do you want your students to remember you?
I want to impact my students and athletes by being genuine and fostering a space where they all can be inspired to be greater than the moment we meant.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I'm big on the words we say. As a student, I was only challenged to push for high achievement as an athlete. I also just had the perception that being an athlete was all I could be. This was only because of the words that spoke over myself. I'm so much more than that. Now, I find the same challenge in many students, and for them to speak life into themselves and to know themselves is to be the best.