As we step into the world of Horn High School, we discover a unique tapestry of passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication woven by our staff. These are the teachers whose classrooms have been the training grounds for countless dreams and whose lessons have left an indelible mark on the lives of their students for over 10 years.
History teacher Jay Thompson started his 20th year of teaching, history teacher Jay Thompson began his profession at 25-years-old.
“I’ve definitely seen a lot more engagement through technology,” Thompson said. “When I started at 25, we had projectors, teachers had very slow desktops, students had no online grade system to go check, and attendance was done on paper.”
Now, we have not only grown in their technology by having chromebooks, T.V’s etc, but also academically by providing college credit courses to everyone.
“For a long time, Mesquite wanted to wait for dual credit to be offered everywhere,” Thompson said. “So we started developing more teachers to teach these dual credit classes. I’ve seen us make some significant growth in that. When I was a student at North Mesquite, I had to do all the dual credit on my own time, and it needed to be supported. Now, we are pushing it and trying to get the information out and help walk people through those steps.”
We have a huge amount of teachers in schools and as the new ones start coming in, the past ones have always been here.
Orchestra Teacher Amy Algood goes into her 20th year as a teacher, she has been teaching since she was 22 years old.
For an orchestra having a family environment is key, because you have to see your classmates almost everyday.
“I’ve seen huge family growth within the orchestra, more people relating and talking to each other and supporting each other. As an orchestra family, everyone here helps each other with anything they need.”
Just as the current generation of students embarks on their journey, it’s worth revisiting the unforgettable memory of a group of students who came before them.
“A great memory I have is when my former student became an orchestra director here in the district with me,” Algood said.”He was my first group of students I taught, and he told me I inspired him to become a teacher and orchestra director.”
Geography teacher Gregory Hill has been teaching since he was 23 years old. This is his 30th year teaching. During his 30 years, Hill has seen improvement throughout the school and with all of his students.
Now, 30 years later Hill keeps striving as a teacher and even plans to retire here.
“One of the greatest things is the implemented rules to increase relationships with students to teachers, teachers to students and teachers to teachers,” Hill Said.
Hill has seen students every day for 30 years, but none other like a student he had a few years back who left a special memory to him.
“There was a kid who came to school thinking he was dumb and that really bothered me, and purposely put his desk next to mine, and would sit and work with him on his assignments. When he finally graduated he came back with his cap and gown and said I couldn’t have done this without teachers like you.”
Now, teaching for 14 years, math teacher Mariza Diaz started teaching when she was 22 years old.
Change is an important concept when it comes to students, but after all these years students are not the only ones that experience change, but also teachers at horn.
“The biggest change that I’ve seen is the way that I have evolved as a teacher,” Diaz said. “Before when I was just beginning it was super straight. Now it’s more going with the flow and interacting with kids and my relationship with students has completely evolved.”
Every teacher has goals, and for most of them it’s the success of their students no matter what.
“Always do what’s best for your kids,” Diaz said. “I try my best to benefit my students, and make a positive impact.”
AP world history teacher Ashley Blackley started teaching when she was 22 years old and eagerly goes into her 22nd year teaching.
With all these years, Blackley feels like she has seen it all.
“The teachers have become more empathetic and compassionate to their students throughout the years,” Blackley said. The children in the school now have more struggles because a lot of them are forced to grow up compared to students I taught in my previous years. The kids that I have now are so much more grateful because they show more compassion for school and learning.”
Blackley loves her job and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“Being here brings so much passion into my life,” Blackley said, “I have never ever dreaded coming to work, the kids are so resilient and hard working. When I come to work it’s one of the best parts of my life.”
