Teacher Feature Spotlight: Althea Hanson at Samuel S. Gaines Academy
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — The Teacher Feature, supported by Kogan & Disalvo Personal Injury Law, continues to highlight educators making a difference throughout the summer months.
This installment focuses on Althea Hanson, an 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Samuel S. Gaines Academy in Fort Pierce. Originally from Jamaica, Hanson immigrated to the United States about 15 years ago, and she leverages her life experiences to impart invaluable lessons to her students that extend beyond the classroom.
Hanson articulates her teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of empathy. “One of the best things teachers can do is foster understanding among students, helping them appreciate that people around the world have diverse perspectives,” she shared. This ethos informs her approach as she guides her eighth-graders through critical developmental stages.
Feeling a strong sense of purpose, Hanson views teaching this age group as pivotal. “At this point in their lives, students are exploring their identities, and I have the capacity to assist them in navigating some of the most challenging decisions they will face,” she explained. This crucial period also marks a transition where students begin taking their responsibilities more seriously, and Hanson aims to help them realize their potential.
In her classroom, teaching extends beyond the academic curriculum. Hanson emphasizes personal growth and self-discovery during this formative stage. As a designated Leader in Me School, Samuel S. Gaines Academy prioritizes fostering leadership skills among its students. “We encourage them to think proactively and keep their goals in mind,” she remarked. “This is the ideal opportunity for them to acquire essential skills that will prepare them for adulthood.”
At the beginning of each academic year, students select individual jobs as part of the Leader in Me initiative, providing them with practical, real-world skills. Hanson likens the school environment to a microcosm of society, stating, “By developing good habits now, they will feel less apprehensive when entering the workforce. This preparation allows them to understand expectations and build on their experiences as they move forward.”
Serving kindergarten through high school, Samuel S. Gaines Academy prioritizes the leadership development of its eighth-graders, who are among the top students in the school. Hanson emphasizes the wealth of programs available that empower eighth-graders to support their younger peers. Engaging activities include assisting in lower-grade classrooms and collaborating with younger students during morning circles, reinforcing a spirit of mentorship within the school community.
