After stepping into AP Classrooms for the first time last year, Sydney Hassell said she felt proud to guide students through college-level material.
Now in her second year at Prosper High School, Hassell teaches AP World and AP Psychology. Both courses challenge students with college-level content, which helps assemble critical thinking and improves communication skills. She said the change between history and psychology keeps her teaching dynamic and helps her reach students in different ways.
“With AP World, I like that we get to talk about everything. I don’t just have to pick one place, like in U.S. History,” Hassell said. “And with psychology, I like that it’s a little science-ey, so it gives me a break in my day.”
Hassell said that watching students grow throughout the year is one of her favorite parts of teaching.
“I love working with students and getting to watch ya’ll learn new things,” Hassell said, “and how you guys change throughout the year.”
Hassell said she believes it’s important to balance control and kindness in her classroom.
“I’ve heard that I’m strict so many times this year,” Hassell said. “But, you cannot be too strict because then no one listens.”
However, Hassell’s path of teaching didn’t begin right after college.
“I didn’t always know I wanted to teach because I didn’t go to college for teaching,” Hassell said. “Then, I decided after college that I wanted to be a teacher.”
Hassell said this is her only high school teaching experience.
“This is the only high school I’ve ever taught at,” Hassell said. “And, I’ve built my career here.”
Hassell’s most rewarding memories is seeing struggling students succeed on AP tests.
“A lot of those kids that were struggling initially ended up making threes, fours, and fives on the AP test,” Hassell said. “I was just so happy for them.”
Hassell refers to her teaching style as interactive and discussion-based.
“I like to encourage students to talk to each other,” she said. “Sometimes I have to give notes that (are) boring, but I want students to feel comfortable talking in class.”
Hassell said working through challenges with students is part of her job.
“Some students have been challenging,” she said. “But, I think you just have to make the best of it.”
According to Hassel, her main priorities involve helping students communicate effectively.
“Most of what I want you to take away is just that ability to communicate with each other,” she said. “Whether it be verbally or in written text.”
Looking forward, Hassell said her goals will include balancing responsibilities across multiple AP courses.
“My main goal for this school year is to find a comfortable balance,” Hassell said, “for me – between all the classes that I’ll be managing.”
