With Teacher Appreciation Month on the horizon, it’s unfortunate to know that lots of students miss out on getting to know their teachers. Lindsey Donovan is a teacher that students can trust. She has taught English 1 advanced at Emerson since it first opened in 2021. Her teaching style, fun personality, creativity and leadership are all part of what makes her stand out.
Donovan didn’t always want to be a teacher. When she was younger her, dream was to be a writer. It wasn’t until high school when she had the interest of teaching.
“Back in high school I think I had ideas about it because I loved my teachers. I liked the high school dynamic and working with kids, but what inspired me was likely just my specific English teachers. I had a dual credit teacher my junior and senior year. They both were confident and instilled confidence in me. So I studied English right out the gate for college and I never changed it,” Donovan said.
Donovan didn’t become a teacher the traditional way. Instead she studied English, creative writing and journalism. She took classes and tests outside of college for teaching. In addition, she also talked to other teachers she knew, such as the ones in her family, for more advice. Taking this unusual route to teaching allowed her to have a more hands-on experience on the content she teaches her students.
“The process was actually much quicker than some of the other teachers in which they had to get degrees. There are many ways to become a teacher and I’m glad I did it the way I did,” Donovan said.
Donovan’s favorite part of teaching is building relationships with her students as well as seeing their growth throughout the year. She also loves to see her students’ ideas and how they discuss them with each other.
“I love being able to interact with y’all to see the difference between the start of the year to the end of the year, especially with freshmen. Y’all have such a jump from the beginning of the year to the end of it. I love seeing your ideas and your interactions with each other,” Donovan said.
Donovan is known for her fun personality and teaching environment. She likes to make her class fun, a little chaotic and personal for her students. The lessons she teaches feel more like an experience rather than just another boring class to them. It also helps them stay more engaged, focused and interested in the lessons. This creates a more interactive environment where students actually discuss with each other rather than just staying silent awkwardly. It makes class more enjoyable for students, like freshman Stephanie Mathew.
“I really like group projects and discussions, mainly the more debated ones. It’s really fun interacting with other people and hearing everyone’s opinions on different topics,” said Mathew.
Teaching isn’t the only thing Donovan enjoys. She enjoys karaoke, hanging out with friends and going on walks. She also has three cats she enjoys spending time with and loves to read.
“I’m currently reading two books.” Donovan said, “I always have a good audio book and a physical book.”
Donovan is always there for her students. Whether they need help with an assignment or if they just need some general guidance. Not only does she teach her students, but she also builds relationships with them which creates a more fun learning environment. She showcases that teaching isn’t just about teaching, it’s about having connections with students, too.
