Every year, new teachers move into classrooms across the building. They integrate themselves with their coworkers and their students, becoming a part of the school community. One of this year’s additions to the staff is art teacher Dani Perry. Perry, a JMU and Louisa graduate, returned this year to her high school to teach.
“I graduated from JMU in May,” Perry said. “And now I’m back to get back to my community.”
Perry’s passion for art teaching occurred to her in her senior year of high school. She followed her new dream by majoring in studio art with a concentration in sculpture at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Along with her major, she got a license in art teaching and returned to her high school after a spot for art teacher opened up just in time for college graduation.
“I’ve always been into art,” Perry said. “It occurred to me in middle school. I was like, man, I like this and I’m really good at it… In my senior year of high school I was going into Hobby Lobby with my mom and I saw one of those rainbow carts. I thought to myself, if I was an art teacher, I’d have one of those in my room. And it kind of just clicked, that’s what I wanted to do.”
Many teachers have years of experience prior to teaching here, but not Perry. Perry’s fresh out of college personality creates a connection with students of the same generation. But she also provides a fresh approach to the school as the new generation of teachers begin to move up.
“I feel like I’ve connected pretty well with most of the students,” Perry said. “In comparison to previous teaching experiences with student teaching, I found that I’ve really come into my own, like having my own classroom. Pretty much all the staff that I meet have been really great and supportive, and it’s been nice just being back in a familiar place.”
Perry has found herself welcomed back into the school with open arms, getting involved with National Arts Honor Society (NAHS) and Gay and Allied Youth of Louisa (GAYL). Her connection with art and students has made a welcome addition to the school community.
