The newest Mt. Pleasant Middle School English teacher tells a bit about herself.

MT PLEASANT — It’s that time of year again, teachers and families are preparing for a new school year. Take some time to get to know the newest teachers to the area.

Evanica Brown

Brown is the incoming Mt. Pleasant Middle School English teacher. She lives in Stockport with her husband Matt, and two children Hailey, 19, and Wesley 13, who will be in eighth grade.

About Life Outside of School

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

I think students would be most surprised to find out that my favorite genres are Dystopian, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy.

Anything that allows you to use your imagination and envision something different from the ordinary is my ideal.

What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

I am an animal lover! I currently have three dogs (Missy, Wrigley, and Lily) and 16 chickens. I grew up on a farm and have always had animals around me.

I remember once someone had hit a deer and brought its baby fawn to our house because they didn’t want to leave it.

We had it for several days until they found a place for it. I think that is probably the most exotic animal I have ever had.

Other than that, I have had your typical farm animals, as well as rabbits, cats, dogs, guinea pigs and hamsters.

What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is anywhere that there is water. I love the water, beaches, and sunshine, so anyplace tropical is my ideal.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

I think this is one of the hardest questions to answer because I am not one to read the same book over and over.

I hate when I already know the ending as I think it takes away from the suspense.

If I had to choose a handful of books, though, they would be 'The Book Thief', 'Looking For Alaska', and anything in the dystopian genre such as 'Brave New World' or 'The Hunger Games'.

What can you cook to perfection?

I love to cook from scratch, though I would not say anything is perfect because I believe there is always room to improve.

My family might tell you that my from scratch Mac and cheese or my biscuits and gravy are their favorites.

I also preserve a lot of food that we eat and absolutely love to make jams, jellies, candies, and cookies to give as gifts.

About School Life

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

For me, there are a lot of things that can make a good day, and I would say most days are good.

It can be as simple as a student who has been struggling with a concept finally getting it, or a student saying that they really enjoyed a lesson, or listening to my 4th class of the day coming in and saying they heard about what we were doing in class today and are really excited for it.

Honestly, I love teaching, so I like to count the little things as big wins, because you never know what moment will make a lasting impact on the students’ lives.

I think that's why most educators do what we do. Every moment is different for each person, so you have to make each moment count.

What inspires you?

Kids inspire me, and each one for a different reason.

Some students inspire me to learn more about topics that I didn't know much about before, thus deepening my love for learning.

Some students inspire me when they struggle with issues that are bigger than them, yet still persevere.

Others inspire me to find more joy in the little things, because there is something about seeing the world through a child's eyes.

The tasks that students take on. The kindness that they can show.

My own kids inspire me to take more chances and explore new things.

Kids inspire me to be a better version of myself. If I expect their best, then they should expect my best as well.

What’s the best/worst thing about being a teacher?

The best thing about being a teacher is that I get to get up every morning and do something that I love.

If I am being brutally honest, the worst thing about teaching is the grading.

Not because of the work that is being produced, but because I would much rather be doing something with the students than sitting.

With that being said, one of the most rewarding things is grading successful papers of students who struggled or the introduction of a difficult topic. Those moments show that the hard work of all involved is really paying off!

About the Students

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Teaching middle school is hard not because of the work, but because middle school is such a turning point in a person’s life.

Students are really beginning to discover who they are and what their own personal interests are. It toggles between what all their friends like and what really interests them.

Navigating and learning those years sets the parameters for who they are and what they become. Friends change during this period, sometimes daily.

If I could impart wisdom to my students, it would be that things get better.

Middle School can be difficult. It's OK to be you. Growing up is hard but just remember, it's not forever, and it’s just for right now.

What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching?

I love pretty much all sports and activities. It's really hard to pick a favorite as I could sit and watch all day long. If I had to pick a few favorites, they would be music, theater, softball, and football.

More about you

If you were to be given a superlative when you were in school, what would it have been?

My students will see that I value kindness and authenticity

What is your first memory from school?

The corn table we used to have in kindergarten. I loved that thing!

Also, I think every teacher I ever had told my parents that I talked too much, so I can appreciate those students in my classroom that have the same fault that I do!

How do you think students will remember you and your class?

I hope that students remember my class as a place that they didn’t have to be afraid to make and learn from their mistakes. Every person makes mistakes, but giving a student a safe place to make those mistakes is how they grow.

As I tell my students, how do you know you are wrong until you try? It's OK to be wrong, but it's not OK to not try. I have had previous students tell me that while they hate English, they loved my class. I hope that continues as well!

Just for Kicks

How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?

I have to fight, but as far as survival skills and being able to live without modern conveniences, I would give myself at least a good 3 years!

Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?

There are a few that I like to take out every now and then, but one of my favorites is 'you can choose to be bitter or you can choose to be better'.

Life happens, you can dwell on it and let it eat you up, or you can look at what you learned and be better for it so it doesn't happen again. While we can't always control the things that happen to us, we can control how we react to those things.

Be bitter or be better.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com