Academics
Lower School

Friday Feature: Ms. Haley Cantrell, fourth and fifth-grade math

“I love getting to know the students at a young age. Watching them grow physically, socially, and academically allows me to really build a relationship with each child before ever being his/her teacher. I also feel so incredibly privileged to be working alongside some of the most talented and humble humans I’ve ever met.”
Ms. Haley Cantrell teaches math to our fourth and fifth-graders at the Lower School.
Ms. Cantrell has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration in Managerial Leadership, both from Piedmont College. She also has an Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College. During college, she studied abroad in Europe while focusing on international business relations. She taught at The Little School in Clarkesville, GA before coming to Rabun Gap. She has been teaching for nine years.
Ms. Cantrell lives in Clarkesville, GA with her husband Corey and their twin sons Jackson ‘27 and Ryder ‘27. She likes to spend time with her family and enjoys gardening and rug hooking.

What made you choose to work at Rabun Gap?
I chose to be a teacher at Rabun Gap for many reasons. I would say one of the more dominant pulls that this school had on me was the opportunity to be part of a new beginning for the community. It was exciting to help fill a classroom when the Evelyne Sheats Lower School opened in 2017.

What is it like working at the same school that your sons attend?
I try to be thankful for each day that we are fortunate enough to drive onto this beautiful campus together; there are countless new opportunities for me to continue learning more about how they actually learn as students in the classroom. Up until last year, I was only “Mom” at home, helping them study what other impactful teachers had taught them. These past two years, I’ve been “Math Teacher” during the day, and “Mom” at home. It definitely has its challenges, but absolutely worth the memories that we’ve been able to make!

What did you do before coming to Rabun Gap?
Before teaching at Rabun Gap, I taught middle school math at North Habersham Middle School in Clarkesville, GA for five years. Once I decided to explore other opportunities outside of the public school setting, I transitioned to an independent school, The Little School, in Clarkesville, GA. From there, Rabun Gap and The Little School merged to open the Evelyne Sheats Lower School, and I made the transition to teach here.

What makes Rabun Gap special to you?
Rabun Gap is special because of the countless opportunities to embrace differences and learn from others’ experiences. Students across all divisions get to experience what life might be like a world away, but never need to leave the campus of Rabun Gap.

What do you like most about working in the Lower School?
I love getting to know the students at a young age. Watching them grow physically, socially, and academically allows me to really build a relationship with each child before ever being his/her teacher. I also feel so incredibly privileged to be working alongside some of the most talented and humble humans I’ve ever met.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I began my post-college career in the corporate sector selling insurance. After having preemie twins, my husband and I decided that it would be best for them if I was their primary caregiver. Once they started preschool, I also had a desire to help children learn in a classroom setting and went back to school to earn a postgraduate teaching certificate. I knew the only subject I really wanted to teach was math, and I’ve been so fortunate to instill a love for this wonderful subject for several years within hundreds of children!

What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is pretty simple: never stop loving to learn! At the beginning of each school year, I tell a story to my classes about me trying a new recipe for cookies. I admit to them that the first attempt didn’t go so well, but after a few trials, the cookies were great. I explain that math is no different than baking cookies - just because I’ve burned a few cookies doesn’t mean that I’m giving up on trying new recipes. The same goes for my students in the classroom - just because a new concept or skill is challenging doesn’t mean that giving up while working to find the answer is the best option! My main goal is not for students to be experts at math when they leave the Lower School, but for them to be comfortable being vulnerable while learning!

What were you like in elementary school?
In elementary school, I was a total teacher-pleaser! I always tried my best to do everything “right” and be a shining star! And don’t worry, my mom had me dressed to impress every day, hair-sprayed bangs and all!

What is your favorite memory from the time you have worked here so far?
During our first Thanksgiving season here at the Lower School, my co-teacher and I taught a mini-series on etiquette and manners at the table. As a culminating project, students were challenged to send formal invitations to guests of honor from all divisions of the school, prepare a menu, set the tables, per Emily Post of course, and host a Thanksgiving meal. The students worked tirelessly to learn proper etiquette and in turn hosted an amazing meal while showing their appreciation for others. It was heartwarming to be supported in my desire to “feed” the whole child, not just ensuring they are educated in a rigorous environment.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
You might not peg me as a farmhand, but I grew up on a farm, tending to cattle and fences on the weekends. During the show season, you could find me showing my horses, Skip, Pete, and Dodger! I even have a few ribbons and trophies from barrel racing!



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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.