We all need emotional support teachers or coaches to help us on our journey throughout high school. Whether it be extra help with school work or someone to let in on everything that is going on in your life, an adult that you can trust is very important. Here are my top five emotional support teachers, that could be yours too!
- Joseph Menzel
Most students who know or have had Menzel can’t help but love him, and if you’re looking for someone to tell you anything else then you’re not in the right place. Menzel teaches AP Literature and Creative Writing classes, and has been teaching at West for nearly fifteen years. If you know anything about Menzel then you know that he is a hardcore nerd in every sense of the word, with a deep love for Star Wars and cats. Other than being a great teacher he is fun to talk to and to just simply sit with. Last school year I was the only one who came to school on a test day and we sat in his class making small conversations while I read the book “Pride and Prejudice” and he played his Nintendo Switch. At one point we even walked out to the track, to stretch our legs and talk about our lives. Top tier teacher and top tier school dad.
- Kevin Holland
Though some people don’t appreciate his dry sense of humor and wide eyed stares I believe that that’s what has gotten him to my top five position. Holland is the head Coach of the Women’s Varsity Basketball team, alongside his role as an American History, Civics, Economics and Personal Finance teacher. Widely known for his intense eye contact and being a self-proclaimed “child prodigy,” he also has a genuine love for his students, however whether or not he’ll admit it is entirely a different issue. Whenever you need help in the classroom or on the court he is the man to go to.
Pro Tip: Whenever Holland catches you and begins a staring dual, straight faced and wide-eyed, smile as hard back at him as you can and keep holding it. It doesn’t keep him from staring but it sure makes it a whole lot funnier.
- Kourtney Saavedra
A lover of crocs and more importantly of teaching, leaving Saavedra off of this list would probably qualify as a crime. Saavedra teaches a variety of classes at West including: AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, and Latin American Studies. Exceeding expectations in teaching them all, and having high scoring students on end of the year exams, not only is she one of the best teachers at West she’s one of the best ones in the state being named “Brunswick County Schools’ Teacher of the Year” earlier this year. This school year marks my second year having Saavedra as a teacher and I have loved every minute of it. She teaches, but also makes a point to know her students, and work with them, as she understands that we’re not only students but humans too. If you’re struggling or falling behind she’s always an email away and will always have the time to work with you to make sure you are reflecting your best self by the end of your time in her class..
- Amanda Pittman
For a lot of people having someone at your school who has some connection with your family and knew you when you weren’t over two feet tall could be a hassle, but for me it has done just the opposite. Pittman, the dance teacher at West Brunswick, has known my family for many years, but in the last school year has gotten to know me a lot better. I joined her class in the first semester of the 2022-2023 school year. I approached her knowing who she was and introduced myself, but she knew exactly who I was. From then on she has become a critical teacher for my school and personal life as she is always making sure that my grades are where they should be, and when they aren’t I receive a knowing glances. She also keeps me in attendance at bi-monthly FCA meetings and cares deeply about things going on in my life that I may need some advice on, or just need someone to vent to. Without even knowing, she has become a very critical person in my life at West and I strongly encourage anyone who needs a helping hand to strike up a conversation with her.
1. Tanna Tilley
Tilley is a third year coach of the Women’s Junior Varsity team at West, while also teaching health, P.E and leisure sports. I first met Tilley in my freshman health and P.E. class, where I would tell her things about things here and there going on in my life. She tried to talk me into joining the basketball team, but I didn’t have any interest in playing basketball. After that conversation she asked me if I would like to be the manager of the team and I gladly accepted the role. Since then I have gone to her for everything. Similarly to Pittman she keeps me on track in school, sports, and home life. Offering her help in any way possible. She has come to be the most important teacher in my high school career, not only to me, but to my friend group, and many other students. Tilley honestly deserves an award for all of the hard work she puts into her classroom and with building healthy relationships with her students.
These teachers, and many more have shaped me in high school, whether it be for good or for bad, I thank them. For all of their hard work and dedication. Even if it’s just to get help with an assignment or to ask an important life question. Teenage years are important in the shaping of our brains and good teachers make all the difference.
