Faculty Focus is a student life series featuring a faculty member at Coppell High School, rotating by department each week.
Coppell High School CTE teacher Cassandra Harmon creates connections with her students not just in her computer science classroom but also by supporting them in extracurricular events. Harmon builds a comfortable environment through her friendliness and positive attitude with her students.
How would you describe your approach to working with students?
You have to build an atmosphere of trust and safety and then get to know kids. Then, they will be receptive to learning. I put a lot of trust in my students to be able to direct themselves, so part of my approach is to be relaxed. I try not to be super strict because I think the kids here are responsible enough that I don’t have to be like that. Part of building an atmosphere of trust and safety is also getting to know them. That means paying attention to what the students are involved in. A lot of kids here are very involved in many different things and I just ask a question or two, because it is interesting to learn what they like and don’t like.
What is a memorable moment from your time at CHS?
I liked it when kids invited me to be a teacher which was appreciated at sporting events. I also love when we go to the hall and honor our kids when they’ve accomplished something big. I like when we get together as a staff and have lunch. For example, the PTA will bring us lunch to show appreciation and I think those are memorable moments, and just sitting and getting to know my co-workers is memorable.
What do you love most about working at CHS?
I love the kids – the kids are great here. They seem to be really involved and like school but I know there are times when it’s not fun; everyone knows that. The kids are the central focus here. I love to teach them and I love when they understand the concepts that were really hard previously. They seem interested in the content and I like the faculty too, so I like the people I work with.
What are your goals for this school year?
To be a better teacher. Every year, we can learn, grow and not stay static. I have a teaching certificate test coming up, so my goal is to pass that certification test. It is over computer science, so it’s just to further my expertise. There are all kinds of things online that can help give us advice to be better at what we do.
What advice would you give to new staff members at CHS?
You need to love your job. If you don’t love this job, then don’t do it because kids can sense that and they want you to be here and like what you do. Be receptive to change because education has so much change in it. I mean, it’s fluid, and if you are not willing to change or be flexible, you are going to be upset. Always strive to be better.
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