As a new chapter begins at Apex High, we are proud to welcome our newest English teacher, Ms. Brown, from New York City. She has settled into room 2414 and is teaching English 1 and 4 this semester. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview Ms. Brown to get to know her better!

What are the differences in teaching in New York versus Apex?

“From a cultural standpoint, the students are different. New York kids are for the most part more worldly, there are many cultures, so many political viewpoints, ethnicities, so many backgrounds. What I teach them and my teaching style is something I’ve done for so long, and the fact that they are exposed to more culture and more differences than down here.“

What made you choose teaching?

“I knew that I wanted to contribute. I knew that I wanted to speak truth to power in the way that I taught and the things that I taught and what mattered to me. I knew that teaching was not only my way to give back, but it was a way that I can connect. That I can teach students how to show up, you know, teaching is not just facts and remembering things. It is also you’re fostering a human being, an individual. It’s been just my way of doing what I can, so that students show up as people in the world who are aware, who have empathy, who know how to move in the world, who are resilient, and who are wise just about things, and they can look at the world around them, change it, if need be, for the better.”

Do you have any hobbies outside of teaching?

“My son, but besides that, finding time to be with family. A lot of my family lives in New York, so I try my best to stay connected. Finding time to go to the gym, which I never have time to do anymore. Hopefully I’ll have time in the future to explore my hobbies.”

A teaching pet peeve you have?

“Phones! Phones! Then also, disengaging when students say ‘I can’t’ or ‘I don’t know’ that’s a pet peeve, because I know that oftentimes they do know. This is just keeping them from speaking their mind. You know, sometimes they have to be brave when they speak up or want to contribute to a topic or a text.” 

A book you will never stop recommending to people?

“Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye, I absolutely love that book. Not only is it written by the incredible, incomparable Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison, but I think that a lot of the themes, essential ideas in the book teach us a lot about how to navigate through the climate, especially this current climate that we’re in. It teaches us how to find the beauty within ourselves, the beauty that may or may not go against society standards in any kind of way, physically, mentally. I just love it.”

Ms. Brown’s influence on her students is evident, as she guides her students not only through academic challenges, but through the complexities of life. Her dedication to teaching is showcased in her tireless efforts to foster resilience and empathy within her students. She is preparing the next generation for future obstacles and hardships they may face. I’m sure she will bring lots of positive energy and creativity to her classes. So let’s give a big, warm welcome to Ms. Brown!