Friday Feature: Tricia Anderson, Instructional Coach at the Evelyne Sheats Lower School

"I like watching the excitement in kids. I love teaching them and seeing how happy active learning makes them. I love when kids come back years after teaching them and they tell you how much they loved you and the good memories they have with you. I love when parents reach out and tell you that you were the difference their child needed and that you fighting for them was life changing. Being a part of others lives, helping families, and building relationships is the best part of being an elementary teacher."
Ms. Tricia Anderson is the  Instructional Coach at the Evelyne Sheats Lower School. In her role, Ms. Anderson advises our Lower School faculty and provides one-on-one support for students. She is a consistent smiling face who pours her passion for learning into our youngest students.

Ms. Anderson has been teaching for more than 20 years and came to Rabun Gap last year after a career in public school; her last position was as a first-grade teacher at Fairview Elementary in Habersham County. She taught second grade at the Lower School last year before taking the role as Instructional Coach. She holds a bachelors of science in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Specialist in Leadership and Administration from Central Michigan University. She was also recently accepted into the Columbia University Teachers College Winter Institute for Writing, which she attended in January.

Ms. Anderson is originally from East Point, GA, and currently lives in Tiger, GA with her family. She has three sons -- Maddox '24, Gavin '21, and Avery, who is in college pursuing a degree in political science with a minor in criminology.

 
What made you choose to work at Rabun Gap?
When my son started attending school at Rabun Gap, I saw such a difference in him; being on campus and getting involved in our community made me want to be a part of something that felt like it changed lives and made a positive impact.
 
Why did you decide to become a teacher?   
I honestly never “decided.” It was just part of who I was.  I always wanted to be a teacher. I can’t remember not wanting to be a teacher.  Even as a little girl I “played school” all the time. I even went as far as to not invite friends over that wouldn’t “play school.”  In high school I was a teacher’s aide in our lower school and knew that one day I would teach. My first teaching job was at the school I graduated from, and it just felt natural to me.
 
What do you like about being an elementary teacher?
I like watching the excitement in kids. I love teaching them and seeing how happy active learning makes them. I love when kids come back years after teaching them and they tell you how much they loved you and the good memories they have with you. I love when parents reach out and tell you that you were the difference their child needed and that you fighting for them was life changing. Being a part of others lives, helping families, and building relationships is the best part of being an elementary teacher.
 
What is your teaching philosophy?  
My philosophy is that every child can learn. It’s up to me to provide the pathway.
 
What were you like in elementary school?
I was a total tomboy. I loved basketball, softball, and swimming. I loved being with my older brothers and following them anywhere and everywhere. I was totally enamored with them.
 
What inspires you? 
I am inspired by people who create change and stand up for others. I am inspired by out of the box teaching, progressive, forward-thinking, rigorous teaching, playful interactions with students, and seeing learners soar.
 
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?  
I love sporting events, concerts, reading professional literature, and spending as much time as I can with my three boys and family.
 
What are you known for? 
I may be known for being the loudest mom in the stands. I adore my three boys and always want to be known for being their mom. It has been the greatest gift in my life.
 
I think I  am also known for loving kids and being open-minded. My sense of humor, being dependable, a team player, and loyal friend.
 
What makes Rabun Gap special?
Our diverse community and the support that the community provides makes Rabun Gap special.
 
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
I am an awesome DJ and I love to DANCE!  I love sharing my love for music with our kids at lunchtime.
 
I am also very drawn to “tough kids” and the struggling learner.  The super competitive side of me wants to win them over, and push them so that everyone can see the best in them.
 
Back
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.