Meridian has welcomed many new teachers this year, including Mrs. Cassandra Peters, the new Lang & Lit 9 Honors and Creative Writing teacher. She studied English and Creative Writing at JMU.
Her biggest motivator to become an English teacher was her love of books. She specifically described how they can “transport you to another world while offering insight into your own life and the human experience as a whole.”
She was also inspired by many different teachers throughout her school years. One teacher was her 10th and 12th grade AP history teacher, who she remembers as being kind and positive, constantly encouraging a growth mindset, and reminding her that failure was something you grow from.
Previously, Peters taught at two different school districts, Winchester Public Schools and Waynesboro City Schools.
She noted that one of the most significant differences between her past schools and Meridian was the academic motivation. She mentioned that at her past schools, she experienced a lot of apathy from students. In contrast, Meridian students were more motivated and put more effort into their work.
Like at Meridian, Peters taught English and Creative Writing at previous schools, both of which are classes she loves.
“In English we have more opportunities to discuss and analyze literature in-depth,” Peters explained, “With Creative Writing, I get the unique opportunity to read my student’s original fictional works and watch as they develop their own unique voice and writing style.”
She also mentioned some of the fun projects her students have created at past schools. One memorable project was when a student created a sock-puppet interview about characters in “A Raisin in the Sun.”
She decided to teach at Meridian because the job offered was teaching the same courses she loved as well as the fact that Meridian is in a top-rated school district.
Outside of teaching, she loves reading and walking near water. She is a member of a book club and owns two cats, Artemis and Apollo.
Peters is excited to continue her teaching career here at Meridian. She noted that, “Once I learned more about the position and the courses I’d be teaching, I knew I’d love to work here.”
