Teachers Who Went to Our School

1 hour ago

3 min read

Writer: Kah’Ron Oates

Some of the teachers at Valley Christian School were once students walking the same hallways and sitting in the same classrooms as we do today. One of those teachers is Mrs. Pixley, who attended Valley Christian before returning as an educator.

In this interview, Mrs. Pixley shares her experiences as a former student, what inspired her to return as a teacher, and how the school has changed over the years. She also discusses her favorite memories, the differences between students then and now, and what it's like to teach at the same school she once attended.

Interview with Mrs. Pixley

Why did you decide to return to Valley Christian instead of teaching somewhere new?

I loved being a student at VCS, so the fact that it was such a positive place in my life heavily impacted my decision to return. Also, I thought it would be comforting to begin a new career in a place where people already knew me.

What is something current students do that your graduating class never did?

All the fun things! My students take senior pictures way better than I ever did—they look like models. They decorate their caps, jeans, and jackets, and I love seeing those. My students also get the opportunity to take AP classes, which I didn't have. Although we had a program that resembled CCP, it was not as developed; therefore, I couldn't complete as many college classes as my students can now. We didn't have VCS News or a platform where we could produce content about our school and community. Discipleship groups were also not a thing when I went to school here. I would have loved that personal time with a teacher to discuss our faith alongside the challenges in our lives.

What is one school tradition or physical feature that hasn't changed over the years?

The high school tradition of seniors creating a class video and having someone in the class sing or play music during the ceremony was something we did. Senior breakfast was another tradition we shared; we went out to restaurants back then, but it was still a tradition.

Has Valley Christian changed in a positive or negative way since you were a student?

How so? Most things have changed for the better. The rigor and class offerings have improved. In the past, I would have said that chapel was better in my day, but this year chapel is amazing, so I am proud to see it improve!

What did you expect when you became a teacher at your former high school?

In my younger years, I expected students not to take me seriously because of my age. I started out teaching junior high students and knew I was going to have to be firm and consistent to the point of exhaustion.
When I moved to teaching high school about 5–6 years into my career, I expected to deal with less student drama, and that proved to be true! Teaching high school has definitely been my favorite grade level thus far.

What are some things you like and dislike about teaching at your former high school?

I like the fact that it feels like home. I have established myself as a teacher now, and that is a comforting feeling. On an everyday basis, I don’t have any dislikes. I really do like my job and where I teach.

What is a rule you used to complain about as a student that you now have to enforce as a teacher?

Eliminating side conversations. I always got in trouble for talking over the teacher, and now one of my biggest pet peeves is students talking while I'm giving instructions.