Edge High School’s small school learning environment is a big part of why students love our school. Because when you enroll here, you’ll be treated differently than at traditional high schools. Our teachers and counselors want to get to know you, and go by their first names with all of our students. You’ll find friends and a community that will support you even after you graduate. And if you don’t want to leave? Some of our alumni come back as teachers and staff! We recently took some time to get to know Edge High School Social Studies teacher Zia Pearson. Zia is an Edge graduate, and her mom, LaGail Pearson, is a Math teacher here too. Here’s what Zia had to say!
When and why did you attend Edge as a student?
I attended Edge High School from 2014-2016 (my junior and senior years of high school). I began school at a charter school and then I was homeschooled along with my brother until my freshman year of high school when I enrolled at a traditional public high school. While I excelled there academically and was involved in extracurricular activities like Swim Team, I did not enjoy how much I was away from home and missed the time I had to volunteer with my family. I tried online school for my sophomore year of high school, and it was a terrible fit for my learning style. By this time, my mom was finishing her teaching degree and was working as a special education teacher’s assistant at Edge. Knowing me and my learning style, my mom thought that Edge would be a good fit for my brother and I, and she could not have been more right!
What is your favorite memory from being a student at Edge?
Our field trip to the Forensics Department of the Tucson Police Department. I had the opportunity to take an elective that my mother was teaching, and she organized a tour of the Tucson Police Department’s Crime Laboratory. A coworker of hers had a sister that was a forensic pathologist with the Tucson Police Department who gave us a private tour of the state-of-the-art facility and the different forensic departments that are housed there. It was incredible! Every department we visited on the tour explained what they do, how they help solve crimes, answered our questions, and gave us a demonstration. The Ballistics department was my favorite! Everyone was so nice, and I learned so much! It was my favorite field trip of all time!
Who was the best teacher for you?
Greg Cooper was my favorite teacher at Edge. He was my Social Studies teacher and now I get to work with him. My favorite professor at the University of Arizona was Professor Frank Gonzalez who taught Minorities in American Politics. I have always loved History and Social Studies, but these were my favorite teachers because of the enthusiasm that they showed for the content and the engaging and accessible learning environment that they created.
How did you decide you wanted to be a teacher at Edge?
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to serve the greater good, but I was not sure what form that service would take. Given my interest in Social Studies, culture, and foreign affairs, I initially felt that my service would involve an international component. However, after the COVID-19 Pandemic, my focus began to shift a little closer to home. I saw a need in my own community for me to serve in the way that I always wanted. When an opportunity arose to teach my favorite subject at such an amazing organization, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be. The chance to apply my passion in an organization that I know practices their mission statement is a dream come true.
What’s it like working with your mom?
I love it! She is my greatest inspiration. It’s awesome to see what a great teacher she is; if I am half as good a teacher as she is one day, I’ll have done an amazing job. Our joint campus Professional Development Days are my favorite because I get to work with her all day.
What do you love most about your role?
I really enjoy seeing students take an interest in the subject that I love so much and seeing them draw connections to their own life.
What else would you like us to know about YOU?
I am a proud dog mom to the most amazing dog, Sam. I’m a football fan, I love country music, and I think time is best spent outside. Lastly, I am so happy to be back at Edge, a place that has brought me so much joy.
Edge teachers are a big part of the welcoming and supportive school culture that our students enjoy. Find out how Edge can help you achieve your graduation goals and enroll today.
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.