Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.

Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2022 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.

2022 Extraordinary Educator: Tanya Trent

This past year was Tanya Trent’s first year at Welborn Academy of Science and Technology after teaching at the elementary level. She decided to teach at Welborn Academy because of the principal, Ms. Shayla Savage, who has a vision and continues to be successful in improving schools.

Shayla Savage, former principal of Welborn Academy of Science and Technology, describes Mrs. Trent as “ an extremely hard worker, compassionate, and a great team player.”

According to Savage, Mrs. Trent “has a great rapport with her students and their families. She has an inviting classroom where every child feels welcome.”

Mrs. Trent wants her students to know “I am so proud of each one of you!”

She goes on to say “Never give up, keep trying and give your best to achieve your goals in life. I believe in you! I want you to remember that success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.” Mrs. Trent also told her parents “thank you for supporting me and for giving me the opportunity to work with you and your child. It takes a village to help a child to grow and learn. Thank You!”

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I look to my parents for guidance, encouragement, compassion, and strength. They have taught me the love of learning and to continue to be a lifelong learner, and I hope my students feel the same way. To me, teaching is about making a difference in the lives of today’s scholars. I knew it would be a full-time commitment and that I would encounter many challenges, but I also knew the positives would always outweigh the challenges I might face.

Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?

A: I would describe my teaching/leadership style as highly adaptable. I do what is best for my students, and I alternate between being an authority, demonstrator, facilitator, and delegator. My teaching style also includes having high expectations, accountability, and building relationships. I truly believe that all students can learn and excel. 

Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?

A: My philosophy is that I am a visionary. I believe that all students are unique and have the potential to achieve and excel with dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Students will rise to the occasion. My motto is to be the best you can be.  I encourage my students to reach the height of their potential and experience the limits of their capability.

Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?

A: The best part of my day is when students accomplish the goals that they have set for themselves. It makes my day to see how they light up with the biggest smile on their face and the confidence they have that they did it.

Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?

A: My most memorable moment is continuing to have meaningful relationships with students that I have taught throughout my career as an educator. I love it when students come by to just say hi, when they come back to share their accomplishments, and when students/parents make you feel like you are part of their family.

Mrs. Trent is just one of High Point’s 2022 Extraordinary Educators. Tune in for the next few weeks to hear more stories and inspiring moments from our local teachers!

Thank you so much to Tanya Trent for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2022 Extraordinary Educator!

To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.

Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff