To begin my mentor interview with Rachel Terry, I learned that she has been teaching at Ensign Peak Academy for just a few months. Also, she and her family have had experiences in all different types of schooling.
Now, let’s get into my mentor interview with Rachel Terry.
How did you first hear about Ensign Peak?
One of my nieces attended Ensign Peak Academy. I heard rave reviews about it from my sister. Then I did some research about K-12 LDS private schools. I looked at what was out there and noticed Ensign Peak Academy was looking for an English teacher. Then I decided to apply.
What do you love about your subject? Tell us about how you became interested in that subject.
I think it is really important for people to understand their native language in order to think and communicate well. This is especially important for scripture study, and if we want to be closer to our Savior. English skills are important.
I really love that Ensign Peak Academy includes more classic literature than public schools. It’s really important to have cultural references. There are all kinds of symbols and allusions in this kind of literature. You will miss out on that if you haven’t studied it.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
For the last few years, I’ve been teaching freshman English at BYU. Many freshman show up without some basic English skills. They haven’t read very much. I didn’t want kids to show up to college without knowing correct grammar. I really want to give our students a foundation to help them later on in life.
How did you become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What does that mean to you?
I was born into the church. My mom is a convert, and my dad has pioneer ancestors. We have lived in a lot of different places. I love that wherever we go, we have a home in the church with brothers and sisters and a place to worship. I’m so grateful for the people in our kids’ lives, who guide and support them.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
We have three kids and four grandkids. Our family really likes to hike and camp. We enjoy raising chickens. I grew up in Colorado and Texas. We’ve lived in Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, and England. And now we live in Provo, Utah.
We did all kinds of schooling for our kids: homeschool, online school, and public school. I have a great appreciation for parents who are struggling to figure out what to do with their kids’ education. I’ve written a book called The Classical Revolt that addresses this concern and provides recommendations for educating the current rising generation.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I recently took a tap dance class.
What hopes do you have for your students?
I hope they gain great confidence in their skills so they feel like they can do what they want to do and are prompted to do. I hope they can become instruments in God’s hands.
Rachel Terry teaches World Literature and English as part of the middle school program. If you want to learn about the middle school program at Ensign Peak Academy, click on the below link: