Amongst the teachers joining the Louisa High School community this year is Grace Powers, a 12th grade English teacher.
Powers graduated from Louisa and attended Bridgewater College where she majored in English and participated in the teaching program. Powers stayed in Augusta County where she taught 11th grade English for eight years. Then, she took a substitute position at her former high school and landed a permanent position over last summer.
“Louisa is definitely a community,” Powers said. “I knew this when I was going to school here but I feel like that’s just been reinforced. A lot of people are proud of Louisa and there’s a lot of school spirit and school pride. Our administration and central office wants what’s best for us as teachers, and I feel very supported. Something that I have learned is that I am valued, and that the students are also much more invested in the community in their school and their education.”
Teaching can be a very complicated job. It’s important for teachers to find a way to connect with their students and provide information in a way that they can understand. This connection is crucial to student and teacher success.
“I believe very strongly in honesty and transparency,” said Powers. “I think students should know what they’re learning and why they have to learn it. Even if they don’t see it now, there’s a reason you have to write an argumentative essay or learn about British literature.”
Building a relationship with students is crucial to Powers, ensuring that her and her students can work together in the classroom setting. It plays into honesty and transparency, making sure students are comfortable and feel like they can trust the environment that they’re in.
“I try to get to know them right away,” said Powers. “Within the first two days we do an assignment where they tell me about their world view. So, what do they feel like their position is in the world? What are their values? How do they view their role in society? And it tells me a lot about their goals and past experiences.”
