Students at Edge High School learn from more than just their teachers – our staff are here to provide support and resources to help you overcome any obstacles you may be facing. We recently chatted with Edge Counselor Lo Sanders about his work and what he loves about Edge. Here’s what he had to say!
What is unique about Edge?
I worked with juveniles in jail, and then moved from there to Edge. Prior to Edge, I’d never been in a place where all of the staff are geared towards where students are at. At Edge, you’re not alone. Grades not going well? We look beyond that to figure out what’s going on with you. There are no labels here – no “bad” kids. The staff all work together to support our students as they develop into well-rounded people. At Edge you can see progress – students go out and try things that they learn here.
How do you work with students at Edge?
I came to Edge to see if I can catch kids when they need it – help them navigate growing up. Most students are surprised that we “listen” to them. But students at Edge have a voice – their stories matter. We want to learn their perspective on their behavior, to find out why they made their choices. It doesn’t matter to me if kids are wrong or right – all kids make mistakes. Let’s work together to figure out how to make better choices next time.
At Edge, students learn that their parents aren’t the only adults they have to rely on. I can help kids navigate tough conversations with their parents so they can have a better relationship. It’s not about who to blame, it’s about how to make the situation better. We break down perceptions in relationships – you can’t fix anyone else’s stuff. If everything that you do is about you, then what someone else is doing is not about you – it’s about them and how they navigate the world.
What do you love about Edge?
The thing I love the most about Edge is that students feel heard when they come to me, they feel like I want what’s best for them. Nothing they say is wrong or right, I just work with them to fix it and if I can’t help them I can find someone who can. I learn from every student and being here has made me a better person. I’ve learned a lot about not putting my pain on someone else. I’m calmer, more compassionate, it’s made me better at listening and not judging.
Who was your favorite teacher?
My 5th Grade teacher Mr. Shade – he had a lot of conversations with his students. We could always go to him, he was the cool teacher and didn’t feel like the authority – you knew you weren’t going to be in trouble by talking to him. That was the great thing about him.
What do you like to do when you’re not at Edge?
I am a gardening maniac! Just brought eggplants to school today. I’m always discovering what I can make grow in Tucson. I put my headphones on – it’s just me, the dirt, and my plants.
Edge teachers and staff are experts at helping our students reach their graduation goals – and they do it in a friendly and nurturing learning environment. Learn more about Edge and enroll today.
Learn more about how Edge can support you in overcoming life’s obstacles and achieving your goals – 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.