Devoted Teacher by Melissa Lima Amaro
Ms. Trayce Stephens, who took a break from teaching, came back to teach English to teach new freshmen. She had been teaching before coming back and is now focused on bringing back traditional teaching. Ms. Stephens is focused on student’s personal performances and made sure students understood what they were doing. She appreciated their personal improvement and achievements, and was always ready to help them when they asked for advice. She wants students to feel like her classroom was a safe space where they could properly express themselves and their opinions.
In the classroom Ms.Stephens made students reference things that happen in the modern world for students to better understand what’s going on in her class. “I just have everyday language discussions with them and try to recreate it to things they would understand,” Ms Stephens said. As she explained why she started teaching Ms. Stephens said, “My children inspired me. Me and my daughter just love working with young people.” Ms. Stephens always tried to adapt for students and teach them in a way they understood and were interested in.
As Ms.Stephens learned how to teach high school students and adapt into this new environment, she demonstrated her passion for teaching. She is always available to give students positive and constant feedback. Ms.Stephens had been teaching for 12 years and just started teaching high schoolers. Even though she’s nervous, she is ready for this new chapter to face challenges with positivity that’s inspirational.
Caption: PASSIONATE EDUCATOR: Ms. Tracye Stephens in building one, room 233 co-teaches with Mr. Christopher Haislip. For the two weeks Ms. Stephens had been here she had been observing and learning new techniques from her co-teacher and writing notes down. “We always collaborate and have meetings so I feel this is a perfect environment to share ideas,” Ms.Stephens said. Photo by Melissa Amaro.