World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize the teachers of Lake Travis High School and all the ways they aid the success of their students. Whether it’s through a simple piece of advice or personal help on an assignment, Saturday, October 5th is the day to acknowledge teachers’ hard work. Of the many great teachers across all subjects and grade levels, here are few to thank for their contribution to the Lake Travis community.
Mrs. Hartmann has been teaching AP World History and AP Art History at LTHS for about seven years and strives to give all of her students an upbeat classroom experience. “Perhaps because I did not feel inspired by many of my own history teachers, I seek to infuse passion into my own teaching, “said Hartmann. She strives to instruct her students in a way that captures their interest and keeps them wanting to learn more.
In addition to her deep love for the subject she teachers, her dedication to her students’ success in high school makes her a favorite of many Lake Travis students. “Hands down, the most rewarding part of teaching is building deep relationships with students and getting to know their passions and interests concerning and beyond my own class,” said Hartmann. “Those relationships don’t often form overnight, but rather through the shared experience of class time.”
Another teacher who is passionate about the success of her students is Ms. Goldman, who has been teaching AP Environmental Science and Anatomy and Physiology at LTHS for the last three years. “I had a teacher in ninth grade . . . she told us her goal was to fail every single freshman in her class. . . and I said I was never going to be one of those teachers,” said Goldman, on the topic of her teaching style. She also aims to provide her students with individualized support in order to help them reach their goals.
Finally, Ms. Patel, a new upperclassmen English teacher at LTHS, has a teaching style that revolves around making sure her students feel comfortable in her classroom. She believes it will help them put forth their best effort. “I think it’s important for me to be outwardly myself – and even up-play parts of myself – so that students feel comfortable to be whoever they are, however they are, ” said Patel. “Be truly your authentic self, because if you’re not, you can’t really provide anything of substance.”
Mrs. Hartmann, Ms. Goldman, and Ms. Patel are prime examples of the many Lake Travis ISD teachers who have adopted thoughtful teaching styles and are committed to being impactful educations. These educators, and countless others, deserve the gratitude of their students, so be sure to thank a teacher this World Teacher’s Day for their dedication to improving their students’ lives.
