Right before High School North went on spring break, the announcement was made that Ms. Dorothy Bagley was named MHSN’s Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year. The Lion’s Roar recently caught up with Ms. Bagley to ask her some questions about receiving the title:
Lion’s Roar: Were you surprised that you were selected for teacher of the year?
Dorothy Bagley: Yes, I was very surprised and honored that I was selected as the teacher of the year.
LR: Why do you think you were chosen?
DB: I think I was chosen for the dedication I give to my students and the school community.
LR: What subject do you teach?
DB: I teach Technology Education – Graphic Design, levels 1-4.
LR: What is your favorite thing about the subject that you teach?
DB: The favorite aspect about the subject I teach is the fact that it is an interdisciplinary subject. One moment you could be learning about the physics of a ball bouncing, and the next you could be discussing literary devices. Graphic Design and technology encompasses math, coding, science, art, English, history, etc. into one.
LR: What motivated you to become a teacher?
DB: The reason why I became a teacher was based off of my experiences in coaching. I have had several great coaches, teachers, and professors who have helped motivate me to become a better individual. I helped co-teach a class in college for freshman, and realized this may be a path I could eventually go down. I began in the Graphic Design industry from working in a print shop to programming for a well-known magazine. Each and every one of those opportunities and real world experiences helped to shape my design, business, and communication skills. As I was working as a graphic designer, I was also coaching xc/track & field at the high school level. I realized how much I loved helping and teaching my student-athletes from the track to helping them get into college. From coming up with clever analogies to conveying information to finding a common connection with a student who really needed guidance – all became challenges I wanted to take on. I realized that I could merge my passion of designing and coaching into one and teach what I do.
LR: Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what did you want to be before
DB: I originally wanted to be a graphic designer; and I was able to fulfill that dream, as well as, take my passion into the classroom.
LR: What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
DB: I think that teaching is much bigger than the classroom. I like to look at teaching in a more universal approach. I like getting to know my students as individuals; and I really like helping them apply to college, etc.
I love staying in contact with my alumni. Many of my students email me their college projects, etc. It’s nice to see the successful young adults they have become.
LR: Is there anything about teaching that you do not like?
DB: As with any job, if I could delete some of the paperwork, I would.
LR: What is your favorite TV show?
DB: I love my Netflix from Sundance and International Films to the House of Cards, Walking Dead, The Following, etc.
LR What is your favorite food?
DB: My favorite food would probably be chocolate, but I also like chicken parmesan and Mexican.
LR: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?
DB: Dynamic
LR: What would you like to say to the MHSN community about being named teacher of the year?
DB: First off, I would like to thank them for their nomination, and I’m happy to be a part of such a dedicated, motivated group of professionals. I feel so honored to have been named Teacher of the Year and to be appreciated for what I love, to work with my amazing students on a daily basis and to have the opportunity to be an important part of their lives.
