May is Teacher Appreciation Month, and Pearce English teacher Shannon Anthony is just one of the many talented teachers helping RISD students grow.
Anthony has taught English II and III, OnRamps Rhetoric, AP Research, and AP Seminar throughout her four years in RISD. While she initially studied electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, her interest in teaching and helping others learn and succeed prevailed.
“The most fulfilling aspect of teaching is getting to see students have that epiphany, when a concept finally connects for them.” Anthony says. “It’s also great to see students finding themselves enjoying something they previously never thought they would be interested in.”
On Jan. 6, Anthony gave birth to her first child, Jonathan. While balancing a newborn and teaching has proven difficult, Anthony plans to continue teaching, as she has experienced much bigger challenges.
In her second year at Pearce, teachers were forced to maneuver around the unprecedented difficulties the pandemic caused. Her steadfast compassion and understanding during this challenging school year is something her students will always be grateful for.
“Mrs. Anthony was one of the main teachers I felt comfortable talking to during quarantine,” Pearce senior Lance Hernandez says. “She’d always treat me the same whether I was struggling in her class or not, and I felt so cared for when she’d check up on me when I wasn’t performing well. Her class was always a breath of much-needed fresh air.”
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Month, Anthony encourages students to reach out to their teachers, and to not be afraid of asking for help. Getting to know your teachers, and forming a connection with them, creates a safe and welcoming environment where teachers can help all students succeed.
(This feature was written by Pearce senior Madeline Dorjee, who is a member of the RISD Professional Internship Program. Madeline is interning with RISD Strategy & Engagement and The RISD Foundation. She plans to study journalism at the University of Texas after graduation.)
