Future Teachers At Cookeville HS Share Perspective On Education

Teachers are one of many professions that have faced challenges this year, but that has not discouraged two high school students from pursuing their passion.

Cookeville High School Senior Haylea Williams and Junior Emma Russell both represent our education’s future. Russel said as a math teacher, she wants to have a positive influence on the youth.

“I want to be a teacher mainly just so that I can make an impact in kids’ lives,” Russel said. “I love kids, and I think teaching is such a great career to make a positive difference.”

Williams wants to teach biology. She said creating a positive learning environment is something she plans on doing.

“I think it is important for a teacher’s classroom to be a safe place,” Williams said. “And for them to make their students feel comfortable and want to learn in that environment.”

This week is America Education Week. Both Williams and Russel thanked previous teachers for inspiring them to instruct.

“Obviously Miss Rawls here,” Russel said. “And then for me, Miss Fleming at Northeast Elementary and Lura Hawkins at Avery Trace.”

“My biology teacher last year. Her name is Miss Arbogast,” Williams said. “She made me fall in love with science, and that is what made me realize that I want to be biology. And Miss Rawls, of course, for helping me learn about education.”