Thorpe teaches both the Spanish Heritage I and the Spanish I classes at the high school.
Chloe Greer, Photo Essay Desk Lead
Watauga High School hired two new Spanish teachers for the 2024-2025 school year, one of whom is Maryam Thorpe. Watauga openly welcomes a few new teachers each year, and Thorpe is a kind-hearted addition. Being new to Watauga, she has been shown the ropes of the school by students and staff alike.
Before Watauga, Thorpe taught in a neighboring county. Since she will be teaching the same subject, the transition should hopefully be smoother.
“Prior to Watauga, I worked at Ashe County High School as a Spanish teacher for 4 years,” said Thorpe. “North Carolina isn’t the only state I have taught in; I was also a Kindergarten teacher in Miami, Florida, for 7 years.”
Teaching at Watauga had always been of interest to Thorpe. Luckily, she applied at just the right time when Watauga was looking for new Spanish teachers.
“I always wanted to teach in Watauga High School because it is just a few minutes from my home,” said Thorpe. “Fortunately, the last time I applied for an open position, I was called in for an interview and got the job.”
Teaching has long been an underappreciated profession that requires a special talent. Thorpe always felt she had the gift for teaching compared to other job options.
“As a teenager, I pondered pursuing different careers; nevertheless, teaching was always at the top of my list,” said Thorpe. “The more I explored other options, the more I realized that teaching was my best choice.”
As for her own education, Thorpe had the opportunity to attend a smaller college before a large university. She is grateful for both experiences.
“I went to FIU– Florida International University. At the time, it just seemed like the right place for me as I transitioned from Miami Dade College to a university,” said Thorpe.
Overall, Thorpe has experienced a positive change since coming to teach at the high school, and students are thrilled to have her another Spanish-speaking teacher at the high school.
“My transition to Watauga has been great, the staff and students are wonderful—including the school's PTA [Parent Teacher Association],” said Thorpe.
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