Felicia Gunn, a new English teacher to McIntosh, has taught at seven different high schools and one middle school. At her most recent school, she was the instructional leader for English. Similar to a counselor, an instructional leader helps encourage students and teachers alike and help them out.

“It’s really important to remind teachers that every little thing matters, and it’s the little things that add up,” Gunn said.

Gunn has always loved English as a subject and loves reading. Her favorite book is by Ernest Gaines, “A Lesson Before Dying” and she also likes listening to audiobooks in the car. Her drive to school is an hour and thirty minutes, so Gunn takes the time to not only listen to audiobooks, but to also count the things she’s grateful for.

“I think it’s so important to be grateful for every little thing. I’m very intentional about my headspace,” Gunn said.

Being an instructional leader also gives her insight on how she teaches today. Gunn knows how sometimes a student may look okay on the outside, but isn’t on the inside. She understands that sometimes it’s okay if you’re not able to engage in class, but it’s okay if you’re still listening and learning.

“I’m so much aware of struggle in some students, if not half of our students, it is so hard just coming into the building. They may look okay but sometimes they’re not okay,” Gunn said.

Gunn is familiar with the challenge of being in a new environment. She grew up moving schools often because of her family’s military background. When she was given the option to move schools, instead of her having to move because of family, she took the opportunity. 

“I moved to McIntosh because I wanted change. I was somewhere where I didn’t feel like I was helping the students that needed to be helped and I want to find my love for teaching again, which I was beginning to lose. The more research I found, the more I realized it was a perfect fit for me,” Gunn said.