Walking out of school while parents walked in for Meet the Teacher Night, mixed sadness and excitement flooded Vanessa Brown as she drove off campus for the last time as a staff member.
After seven years of teaching at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, Brown, formally Mrs. Brown, says her goodbyes to her students and staff.
On Sep. 1, 2023, Brown received a phone call confirming her new position as assistant principal at Palmview High School.
“I’m really excited, and obviously there’s a lot of sadness because this has been my home for 7 years,” Brown said.
Mrs. Brown has had the credentials to be an administrator since 2009, and this is the opportunity to apply her new experience.
“Every year, there has been something different, and I’ve been learning something new and being challenged,” Brown said. “And so, I think that’s why I’ve stayed so long because it kept being a new exciting thing for me every year.”
One of Brown’s favorite things about being a staff member at JCECHS was the campus’ small size and seeing the students grow up in their high school years.
“We get to see our students from the beginning of their time here,” Brown said.
Another thing that stands out to Brown is her co-workers’ qualities.
“You’re working with people who are like the most qualified people, the most experienced people,” Brown said.
Having those relationships with people who are specialists in what they do was a learning experience for Brown.
The moments of leaving the campus were bittersweet for Brown.
“I knew I would be back on campus for events with my daughter, but as a parent and not as a RedWolf,” Brown said.
Mrs. Brown’s last day teaching at Jimmy Carter ECHS was Tuesday, Sep. 5.
“I’m going to miss my students and co-workers, but I’m super excited for what this next challenge is and how I can learn and grow in this experience,” Brown said. “I’m ready, I have the skills to be successful, and this is scary/exciting.”