The COVID-19 pandemic has created apparent difficulties in education and have caused a concerning shortage of teachers in Virginia. Freedom teachers are no strangers to these feelings of burnout during the school year.

So, for National Education Week, teachers receive recognition for their passions and great accomplishments, since their jobs are difficult yet significantly rewarding. 

Freedom High School teachers shared their teaching experiences with Uncaged:

Amelia Speirs, an AP Lang and English 12A teacher, said, “I love my Walks of Wisdom because I get this great snapshot of who my students are outside of anything that they feel measures them, and I learn about what is important to them.” 

Speirs discusses fun prompts with students after a short walk in her Walks of Wisdom. Many students appreciate these valuable brain breaks while Speirs enjoys learning more about the diverse personalities of her students. Students always fill her classroom before, during and after school because they enjoy her bubbly personality, relatability and extroverted passion for building connections. 

“My favorite part about teaching is getting the chance to help students find their voices,” said Benjamin Gibson, an AP U.S. History and AP Seminar teacher.

Gibson’s quirky personality and enthusiasm always keep students engaged in his class. Although he loses his voice from time to time, he loves talking to and helping his students. Students often look forward to his theatrical lectures, cultural references and humorous remarks that create a fun classroom community. 

There are also many other teachers at Freedom who are equally ardent about teaching and helping students find that same passion. Happy Education Week, teachers!