A Conversation with One of the Most Dedicated Teachers Ever: Mrs. Wright

Mrs. Wright, the Honors World History and AP Government teacher, has showed students and staff year after year just how much she cares about her students’ education. Not only is she dedicated to teaching about the impactful perspective aspect behind the history and the dates,  Mrs. Wright is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students excel. Students have described Mrs. Wright as kind and passionate, and I can back that up after taking her Honors World History class in eighth grade. I had the honor of interviewing Mrs. Wright and learning more about her as a person and a teacher. 

Q: How long have you been teaching at ACP, and what is your favorite thing about the school?

This is my 4th year at ACP.  I really enjoy the smaller school environment because it lets everyone have the chance of getting to know more of the whole student body.

Q: In what ways do you encourage creativity in your classroom?

I like to let students use their personal interests and skills to aid their learning.  I try to incorporate art, video, and music to reach as many different learning styles as possible.

Q: Describe a successful lesson. Tell why it was successful.

A successful lesson is one where the students walk away feeling like they were engaged and interested.  It helps that they also feel they learned something.

Q: What is your discipline philosophy?

“Firm but fair”.  I’m always thinking “Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing?”  If so, keep doing it.  If not, stop and redirect yourself.

Q: What were you like as a student?

I was, unfortunately, a smart but not particularly motivated student.  I could get good grades without trying very hard, so I’ll never know how much more I could have learned if I had been more diligent.  When given the chance, I would rather read my book than pay attention to class. 

Q: How do you provide support for students who are not performing as well as they should?

I have an open-door policy.  I encourage students to self-advocate by reaching out and asking those questions.  Even if they seem small or silly, asking for clarification means you are less likely to give away points.  Plus, it lets you feel more confident.  

Q: How do you use technology to enrich your lessons?

My previous school had 1-to-1 technology, so I miss that aspect of classes; however, this virtual environment is fun to explore. Students can get engaged in new ways that get them excited, but also show them amazing aspects of the world that exists outside of Chandler, AZ.

Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges that teachers face today?

Students do not READ enough outside of school! This means that they are not developing the academic vocabulary that allows them to continue to grow as learners.  Any book, graphic novel, comic book, newspaper, magazine; just get more outside knowledge into your brain so that you can make those connections when you are in class.

As you can see, Mrs. Wright is a devoted teacher and is incredibly passionate about everything she does. Even during these hard times with Covid-19, she has made sure that her students are still learning to the best of their ability through beautifully made lessons on Google Classrooms and top notch communication. A virus will not stop her from ensuring that her class succeeds. Thank you so much, Mrs. Wright, for everything you do for your students and the staff here at ACP. Go Knights!