It’s Teacher Appreciation Week the first week of May so we thought we would dedicate a blog to one of our favorite subjects – our teachers! We recently asked Edge High School math teacher LaGail Pearson to tell us a little bit about herself, and you may be surprised (or not!) by what she had to say.
Meet LaGail Pearson
Himmel Park Math Teacher
When and how did you know you wanted to be an educator?
I can’t think of another occupation that I would want to have. I am proud of the fact that I am a teacher, and that I have the opportunity to convince each student I interact with that they have the right and the responsibility to an education about the world around them.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given about teaching?
Relationships first! Students should not be treated as though they are part of our job, they are the reason we have one.
In your opinion, what’s the best part of working at Edge?
Getting to know students from all walks of life and circumstances and seeing them overcome the negative circumstances of life and graduate.
What do you like best about teaching?
Helping students to understand that they CAN learn and seeing the “light go on” in their faces when they do.
How does Edge’s mission and vision align with your values?
All humans have the right to learn. That right is not based on where you live, or what you look like – however, in today’s society, sadly, it continues to be based in large part, on those two variables. The mission and vision of Edge is working to dismantle that societal notion, one student at a time.
What is the first concert you ever attended?
Chaka Khan! (Not my favorite, but a group of friends were going…)
What inspires you?
Achievement by those who are “thought” to be the least likely to succeed.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to engage in outdoor activities during early Spring in Tucson, absolutely the best time of the year! But I would take a trip to the beach in San Diego as my all-time favorite thing to do with free time.
What do you do for self-care?
Take HIIT classes 3/week, walk regularly, and hike on the weekends, if my schedule permits. Try to eat healthily and try new foods, learn new languages.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to the 16-year-old you?
First and foremost, to believe in herself and her ability to handle and overcome challenges. Secondly, to not shrink back from showing her talent to the world. Third, NEVER sell yourself short, always rely on God and learn to trust yourself. Fourth, your worth is not based on the opinions of others, regardless of who they are.
Other than Edge, what is your favorite local non-profit agency?
Casa de los Ninos. They advocate for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
Thanks to committed teachers like LaGail, Edge High School 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.