Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Long

By VCS Senior JaQualyn Wiggins

Some teachers choose their profession, but for others, it feels like a calling. Ms. Long shared that she has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. School was not always a happy place for her growing up, and later she saw her own sons struggle as well. Because of this, she teaches for “those kids”—the ones who feel like they do not fit in or are labeled as troublemakers. She strives to be the kind of teacher who sees students for who they truly are.

Ms. Long has been teaching for 17 years. Much of that time was spent working in her church’s Children’s Ministry as a Children’s Pastor. She has also taught preschool and worked in daycare. Two years ago, she began substitute teaching at Valley across all grade levels, and now she primarily works with middle and high school students.

When describing her teaching style, Ms. Long jokingly says it might be “a little ADHD” because she can be unpredictable. She believes in showing grace while also holding students accountable. She shows up for her students and expects the same in return. She also acknowledges that she is human and makes mistakes. When she is wrong, she apologizes, which she believes helps build trust in the classroom.

Some days, she says, mental health takes priority over sticking to the lesson plan, and those days often turn into some of the most memorable ones. What she enjoys most about teaching is helping students succeed in life. She loves celebrating their accomplishments and hearing about what is happening in their lives.

To keep students engaged, Ms. Long uses routines and boundaries while also allowing room for fun and creativity. Sometimes that means changing the plan entirely. It might involve dancing, candy, or even tossing items during class activities to keep energy high.

One important lesson she wants every student to remember is that they are invaluable to Christ. She wants her students to know they matter and have purpose.

One of her most memorable moments happened this year when a former student ran up to her and proudly shared that his feet finally touched the floor. She used to remind students to sit properly with their feet down, but at the time, his feet did not even reach. It was a small moment, but one that meant a lot to her.

She also recalled a funny classroom moment. Once, she accidentally gave students a test on Egypt when they were supposed to be studying something else—and somehow, they scored better on that test than the one they were actually meant to take.

Ms. Long says one of the most challenging parts of teaching is caring more about a student’s performance than the student does. To continue growing, she reads and listens to better understand the culture her students are growing up in.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and working on projects in her home and garden. If she were not a teacher, she believes she would still find herself teaching in some capacity. She feels that everyone is called to influence others, and for her, that calling is currently in the classroom.

Her advice to students is simple: never stop learning. Even when something seems unimportant, it still helps develop your mind.