(Taken by Esther Rich)  

Ms. Rich is an over-achieving teacher at Renton High School,  with her not only being an incredible educator within her classroom but and outstanding advisor for  multiple clubs. She is very passionate about teaching and strives to do what she can to inspire other teachers in the building and students around her to do what they love. So what does Ms. Rich serves at Renton High School?  Let’s find out!

Ms. Rich shows excellence in teaching Health and Child Development. She is always ready to work and doesn’t slack. She is an advisor for Key Club and K-Pop, putting in all this effort is rewarding to see how much joy it brings her students and is worthwhile. Being an advisor is not easy, but Ms. Rich doesn’t make it a problem. You may see her out in the halls of Renton High School helping with fundraisers from Krispy Kreme to Dalogna Coffee and holiday goodie bags!  

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Ms. Rich to hear what she has to say about her passion  for teaching and how it all started. Let’s dive in!

Who inspired you to get into teaching?  

– “Two of my biggest inspirations are Devon Drake and my sister, Tammy. Tammy inspires me because ever since I was younger, I’ve always admired my older sister and when she got her teaching degree, I then realized I wanted to get into teaching as well. Devon Drake wanted to be a teacher but realized it wasn’t right for him. Even though Devon wasn’t passionate about teaching anymore, he persuaded me into starting and guided me along the way. He has been a big inspiration for me till this day.” 

What was being a student teacher’s experience like? How did it prepare you for becoming a teacher?  

– “I was a student teacher at Campbell Hills for 4th graders and there I met Tredo. He prepared me and I wanted to be more like him because of how incredible his relationships with his students were. I had an aha moment and strived to care about every student and put our differences aside. Tredo taught me to want to build a connection with every single one of my students because that’s what makes teaching more enjoyable. I’m now his living legacy.” 

 How would one of your students describe you? 

– “In hopes they would describe me as caring, not just as someone who passes her class, but as a human being.” 

 How do you allow your students to express their creativity? 

– “I wish I was better at this. I try to have the students present their ideas, but I feel like the students wouldn’t necessarily enjoy it. This is an area I definitely struggle in but hope to improve as I continue to teach.” 

Ms. Rich has made a positive impact on Renton High School with all the dedication and heart she put into what she’s done. We’re proud to have an outstanding individual who can connect with her students on a deep level but also an educator who has strategic teaching styles. Ms. Rich shows that teaching is not easy and it has its ups and downs, but she’s shown perseverance and is a hard worker. She is beyond loved by students and staff and hopes to continue down the path she’s chosen.