Right before it was time to start applying for my very first teaching job, my professor scheduled one-on-one conferences with my class to prepare us for the next step in our careers. When my turn came, I sat down with my portfolio and résumé in hand, anxiously awaiting the first question.
“Where do you plan to apply for a teaching position?”
I immediately smiled in relief, because I had known the answer to this question since I was in kindergarten. “Hanover County,” I replied.
My professor looked up at me, as though expecting me to continue. When I didn’t, she followed up. “Only one county?”
“Absolutely,” I answered.
I could tell she was perplexed and I wasn’t surprised. How do you explain the essence of Hanover County Public Schools to someone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand? Looking at the county objectively, it is evident that it ranks competitively among the Virginia district schools. Even when segmented into individual schools, there isn’t a facility that doesn’t uphold the standard of excellence set throughout the county. However, the statistics do not even begin to skim the surface of what makes Hanover County so special. It is a place where innovation and creativity reside in every classroom. Where every student not only has a name, but a voice, an advocate, and a chance. Where words like ‘kindness’ and ‘respect’ are emphasized more than ‘assessment’ and ‘scores’. A place where every teacher, administrator, and staff member works to their fullest potential; not because of a need to be the best, but to do what’s best for our students. The accolades and awards are just an external sign of an intrinsic motivation.
I first decided to pursue a career in teaching because I fully understood the immeasurable impact of a quality education. I became a Hanover County teacher because I fully understand the immeasurable influence of having someone who cares. From my very first steps into Washington-Henry to my final steps across the stage at the Siegel Center, every single one of my teachers made an effort to get to know me, not only as a student, but as a person as well. They helped define my character during the most impressionable days of my life. Although our time together was only a small fraction of my lifetime, they made a significant difference that could not easily be erased and could never be forgotten. Teaching in Hanover County is my way of saying ‘thank you’ to all of the teachers who first taught me.
As I transitioned from student to colleague, I discovered a whole new side of Hanover County Public Schools. My previous teachers became my mentors and continued my education on a professional level. Following in their footsteps while forging my own path, I fully understand the impact and influence of a teacher. Every day is an opportunity to shape minds as well as hearts. Now, I look to my students and not only see my legacy as a teacher but the future of our community.
