Aline Geryes is one of the four new English teachers to be employed at the high school. It is her first year teaching, and so far she’s having a blast educating her students.

“It’s exciting to see the lightbulbs go off in the students’ heads, and it’s fun to present information in a new way,” Geryes said. “My goal is to create an environment in which my students feel safe to take a risk because they are comfortable in their setting. I want them to know it is okay to speak out, even if you are unsure of the answer you are giving.”

Geryes decided to become an educator because she considered it rewarding and was inspired by her amazing teachers and professors.
In order to become a teacher, an applicant must have acquired a bachelor’s degree and a teacher’s license in whatever subject they desire to teach.

For Geryes’ case, she took it a step further and became a teacher’s aide for former English teacher Lisa Britt. Geryes witnessed what it was like instructing and helping to guide students during class. Sometimes Britt would allow her to teach the pupils to gain experience. The number one lesson Geryes cherished was when her mentor taught her the importance of resilience and perseverance.

“She taught me that every day is a new day. She also taught me that sometimes lessons will fail, and that as a teacher you have to go back to the drawing board,” Geryes said.

One of the English teacher’s main ambitions is to adjust to classroom innovation. She tries to make learning with technology easier and more accessible for her students.

“Catering to the 21st Century Learner is the newest challenge for teachers, in my opinion. Students now can find out information with the swipe of a finger. In order to adapt, teachers have to keep up with the ever-changing technology in the world of education,” Geryes said.

This new teacher hopes for a bright year and a fun future ahead of her. She also wants to live up and go beyond her expectations. The most crucial lesson Geryes wants students to acknowledge is that it’s okay to make mistakes, since it’s a chance to learn what went wrong and improve. She also wants them to know that a bit of kindness and respect goes a long way in life.