Ever wonder what makes your teachers tick?
What Edge staff do in their free time? We recently asked Himmel Park Learning Resource Center Teaching Assistant and Social Media Manager Brooke Teufel to tell us about herself and here’s what she had to say.
When and how did you know you wanted to be an educator?
I knew I wanted to be an educator in high school. I was inspired after working with awesome teachers who not only pushed me academically, but pushed and helped me to grow as a person. I wanted to engage others in their educational and individual growth.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given about teaching?
Though I feel like I make a difference every day, even if it’s small, my favorite thing to remember about teaching is: sometimes, we are seed-planters! We don’t always get to harvest the fruits of our interactions with students. In other words, teachers do not always see the differences we make in students’ lives right away. It can take years for information to seep into a student’s life in a useful way. But that doesn’t mean that every little thing we do now does not have a profound impact later!
In your opinion, what’s the best part of working at Edge?
Two best parts: the staff and the students. Getting to know students is a delight. They’re wonderful, and I learn so much from them. And I love collaborating with my fellow coworkers, who are knowledgeable and kind and creative and fun!
What do you like best about teaching?
Seeing connections form in students’ heads–whether that be a tricky math concept clicking into place, or understanding something about how the world outside of school works. I love learning, academic and otherwise!
What’s the hardest part of teaching?
The hardest part of teaching is working with students who feel unmotivated to pursue their educational goals, or who don’t have educational goals. That’s very difficult. But working with a student to figure out what their priorities and goals are, and then helping them achieve those goals, is rewarding.
How do Edge’s mission and vision align with your values?
Edge’s mission and vision align with my values because I believe in the inherent worth, ability, and excellence of all individuals! Edge works hard to recognize and celebrate each student’s individuality and their successes–large and small! I am all about celebrating uniqueness, and all forms of growth and accomplishment.
What is the first concert you ever attended?
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, at the Rialto Theater, when I was a freshman in high school.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time outside, ideally! I also like to do yoga and pottery, and I love to cook! Though, these days I do spend a good amount of it doing homework, as I pursue my masters degree.
What do you do for self-care?
For self-care, I like to exercise. Ideally outside, on a hike or rock climbing. I also like to climb at the rock gym or do yoga in town.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to the 16 year old you?
“1) Trust yourself, and 2) Don’t be afraid to fail, because you’re resilient and worthy and not the sum of your accomplishments!”
Other than Edge, what is your favorite local non-profit agency?
My favorite local non-profit agency is probably the Arizona Trails Association, because they help youth connect to the outdoors so beautifully through their Seeds of Stewardship program!
Edge High School teachers like Brooke celebrate and care about each of our students. Interested in how Edge can help you build the skills to be successful wherever your life takes you? Find out more 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.