Spotlight of the Month-Febuary

This month's spotlight is on Ms. Brooks. The spotlight of the month is to get to know people in the school better. Ms. Brooks was interviewed to get to know her more as a teacher and as a person/ When she was interviewed she was asked “How do you feel about being the spotlight of the month?” She responded with "feel appreciative to have been chosen for Spotlight of the Month. I think it's a cool concept, to highlight someone new each month.” The people chosen for the spotlight of the month have no clue they have been chosen so it's often a surprise. Ms. Brooks was asked, “ Who is your role model and why?” Her response was “I don't really have one specific role model. I'm inspired by people who have made something of their struggle, who have encountered obstacles but refused to let those challenges end their progress. One of my best friends put herself through college while raising two kids with special needs, without a stable income or housing, and without having had a supportive high school experience. That takes guts.” I think her friend is a great role model. I asked her “What types of classes did you teach before Hagerman?” She replied with “I actually started teaching at Hagerman. I left for a couple of years to teach at Sage International in Boise where I taught 8th and 7th grade Language and Literature. “ When she was asked, “What is one of your favorite memories being a teacher?” Ms. Brooks' response was “When I left Sage, my students brought me a "Goodbye Booklet" full of handmade cards with memories they had of me or my class, best wishes, and goofy pictures. That was pretty great, and I think it made me realize I was more appreciated than I knew.” She was asked “What is your favorite class to teach?” She responded with “English, of course! Literature is amazing. You can be transported to an entirely new place, new situation, meet new characters. I also really love that English asks -- nay, requires -- you to think deeply about whatever you're reading or writing. Ultimately, I think reading makes me a better person. I think this was a great way to get to know Ms. Brooks better as a person.