English and literature are an integral part of everyday life. People must learn how to read and write to effectively communicate, lead or express emotion. Despite its importance, some students struggle to enjoy and understand this subject. Christina Bradford, an English IV and yearbook teacher at Wakefield High School, has been working hard to show her passion for English to bring excitement back to her students.
“Trying to make things and adjust assignments to make them more relevant to students is something I have been trying to work on,” Bradford said. “[Trying to] incorporate things that might snag their interest a little more than other things.”
Even while adjusting assignments to keep her students entertained, some still have questions while working through them. Bradford, however, helps her students no matter how big or small the question may be. Essie Horne, a senior at Wakefield High School and a past student of Bradford, explains how her teacher helped her to complete these assignments throughout the course.
“She was always available if we had any questions,” Horne said. “[She] made sure to answer them as well as she could and made sure we understood the answer.”
Not only is Bradford helping her students, but she also helps other teachers with any problems they might have. Kyle Bayer, a social studies teacher who teaches Economics and Personal Finance and Lessons of Vietnam, speaks on how Bradford has helped him through challenging moments.
“She’s willing to help other staff members,” Bayer said. “She helps me with Canvas and other things all the time.”
Along with making her assignments fun and enjoyable for her students, Bradford also builds a peaceful environment to do this work in which everyone can focus. Mmesoma Anachuna, a senior in Bradford’s class, talks more on how she is able to complete all her work in the classroom.
“She has all her lights off, and it’s a nice environment to actually work in,” Anachuna said. “It creates a really nice ambiance to focus and do work.”
In addition to keeping a nice environment, it is also just as important that the teacher makes them feel seen and heard. Being supportive in a student’s life and interests can go a long way in building a relationship with them; furthermore, distinguishing the difference between a student and their personal life. Bradford tells of how she connects with her students this way.
“Just knowing other passions and interests that [students] have outside and being able to connect with them on those things and find common interests,” Bradford said. “It’s cool to connect with them on a personal level and not just as a student.”
Bradford’s classroom is not just for learning, but is also a place to relax and have fun with education. She is such an important part of the classroom with bringing life and students voices into the room.
“Our school definitely could use more teachers like Mrs. Bradford,” Bayer said. “Anytime you get a teacher like that, you want to make sure you take care of them.”
