November 13, 2024 – April Wyatt, a teacher at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences (CSAS), has been inspiring students for over 20 years. Wyatt, who is an alumna of the school herself, described her path into teaching as heavily influenced by Pat Conroy's The Water is Wide, a book that highlighted the impact a dedicated teacher can have on students. "I was really inspired by the passion he had for those kids," she recalled.
In 2000, she came back to teach at the school where she had once been a student. She has spent almost her whole career in the same building. She proudly said, "In the 38 years that the school has been open, I've only been away for six years." Throughout her teaching career, she has taught eighth-grade social studies, ninth-grade world geography, and now tenth-grade world history.
When asked what she loves most about teaching, she talked about how important it is to build relationships with students, both in and out of the classroom. As the sponsor of the Honor Society, she helps organize fun events like Halloween costume contests, dodgeball tournaments, and charity drives. "Sometimes outside the classroom is where students really show who they are," she said, showing her dedication to helping students succeed beyond just schoolwork.
She also believes in the diverse learning environment at CSAS. She appreciates how the school brings together students from different races, cultures, and backgrounds. "It’s great to see all these kids from different backgrounds and religions learning together," she said, noting that the friendships she sees at school are important, especially when there can be a lot of division in the world outside.
Even though she has been teaching for a long time, she thinks teaching is always challenging. "Every year brings new challenges," she said, explaining that changes in education keep her on her toes. But this constant change keeps her excited and committed to her job.
She also believes in the power of discussions to help students learn and grow. One of her favorite activities is the weekly seminar, where students sit in a circle and talk about important topics, such as the Civil Rights Movement. Wyatt sees the seminar as a "great equalizer," where students come together, put aside distractions like phones and learn to listen and share. "It’s a place where we can discuss important topics, even when they're hard."
One of Wyatt's key skills is multitasking. In her busy classroom, she’s constantly switching between activities like grading papers, checking on students, and responding to emails. She says making thousands of small decisions every day can be tiring, but it's all part of the job she loves.
For new teachers, Wyatt offers helpful advice: "Give yourself time to grow and learn," she says. She remembers feeling nervous during her first years, trying to create perfect lessons. Now, she understands that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Wyatt encourages new teachers to find what works best for them and their students while also finding a good balance between work and personal life.
In addition to her teaching, Wyatt enjoys working with student teachers. She loves seeing their new ideas and energy. They bring fresh perspectives and help her stay up-to-date with the latest trends, making her classroom even more dynamic.
Wyatt credits much of her success to her supportive colleagues at CSAS, whom she describes as her "school family." They share jokes, support each other on tough days, and help lift each other up. This strong sense of community has helped her through tough times, especially since the challenges brought by the pandemic.
Wyatt’s dedication to her students and passion for teaching has made her an invaluable member of the CSAS team. Her focus on discussion, support, and teamwork continues to create a positive and inspiring learning environment for her students.