Savannah Greenwood teaches sophomore English at Shawnee High School. She says that when she was in school, she did not think being an educator would be in her future, but she is glad for the way things have worked out.
“I never thought I would be a teacher,” she said. “It did not appeal to me, although many career tests recommended teaching in my top three positions each year. It is important that my work is on purpose and for a good purpose, and teaching is a beautiful way to positively and intentionally impact the world around me.”
Greenwood, who is also the sponsor of the Student Council, is in her second year at Shawnee High School. Before that, she also taught at Santa Fe South High School for two years.
While teaching was not her first choice of a career, Savannah says that she likes being able to impact the lives of students.
“I enjoy working with people and creating or highlighting opportunities for students,” Greenwood said. “When done well, this job is the kind that will keep you moving around your room and engaging with kids. I also believe that teaching is a great career for anyone who is a lifelong learner. I find that I am always learning new things.”
When she was a student, Savannah learned from a number of teachers but she has one that was influential in her life.
“My high school choir director significantly impacted my life as a student,” she said. “In addition to being an exemplary director, she taught us valuable lessons in professionalism and putting our best foot forward. To this day, I rehearse certain lessons she taught us because they are still relevant.”
Greenwood has been given numerous pieces of advice over the years. And she has used those to help shape herself into a better teacher.
“They’re just kids, don’t take everything personally is probably the best advice I have been given,” she said. “Working in a role that puts you in constant contact with students means that you can often see the good, the bad, and the ugly in each other. At the end of the day, they are just kids, and they need someone who will care for them and give them grace.”
