She wanted to teach history. Then chemistry. She landed on math. If there’s a lesson in that for Edge High School students still figuring out their own path, it’s probably this one: give yourself permission to change your mind a few times. Meet Kierra Garland, one of the Edge High School math teachers turning equations into something students actually want to show up for, in this week’s Then & Now.
What did you want to be when you grew up, back in high school?
I wanted to be a US history teacher, then a chemistry teacher. Somewhere in there I just knew I wanted to be some sort of teacher.
Did you have a part-time job or hustle during your teen years?
I was a chemistry tutor. I started while I was taking chemistry my sophomore year, helping my friends when our teacher went on maternity leave.
What clubs, sports, or activities did you throw yourself into in high school?
Theatre tech. Building the show, then watching it all come together during performance nights. Those were some of the longest days of my week, but also the most fun.
Who was your favorite teacher, and what’s one thing they taught you that stuck?
Mrs. Bills. She was my high school chemistry teacher, and she’s the one who fostered my love for chemistry in the first place. I also learned a lot about patience watching her navigate my very challenging class.
What was on repeat on your playlist in high school? What’s on it now?
Queen and Hamilton were massive on repeat in high school. Now it’s a lot of Stray Kids and Alex Warren, with musicals still sprinkled in.
Describe your high school style. And now?
All the tee shirts. The exact same tee shirts, honestly. I fear my style hasn’t changed one bit.
What did you and your friends do on a typical Friday night?
Movie night sleepovers. Now I’m usually up reading a book instead.
What’s a trend from your high school years you can’t quite shake?
I’m still heavily glued to my phone, scrolling social media. Beyond that, I honestly don’t remember what the trends were.
What’s a snack you couldn’t get enough of back then? Do you still crave it?
Popcorn, especially the Kirkland brand. That one really hasn’t changed.
If you could give your 16-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
It’s okay to stand up to others and be a leader. You don’t have to always follow what your friends say.
What do you love most about working at Edge?
Edge is the first school I’ve taught at, but I already love the one-on-one time we get with students. We take the time to really get to know them and help them all feel seen in the classroom.
3 Fun Facts About Kierra
- Singing is one of her favorite hobbies, but only when she’s convinced no one else can hear her.
- Her current book collection sits at almost 500 books. That’s halfway to being called a library.
- She’s half Korean and loves exploring anything related to her heritage, so much that she earned a minor in Korean Culture in college.
Thanks for sharing a little of your past and present, Kierra! Want to learn from a math teacher at Edge High School who brings this much heart into her classroom? Come see what a day at Edge looks like for yourself.
About Edge High School
For 30 years, Edge has been serving Tucson youth with a tuition-free, Cognia-accredited, high school education. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with online distance learning, in-person and flexible morning or afternoon schedules at two conveniently located campuses. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Get to know Edge on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram. Be you. With us. At Edge.