South High Spanish and English as a Second Language teacher Laura Chambers shared what it’s like to be an educator and why she chose to teach at South.
Chambers said she wanted to become a teacher because she enjoyed working with students and comes from a long line of educators. She realized she wanted to learn Spanish when she was 16 and took a trip to Monterrey, Mexico.
“I was afraid to study Spanish, but while I was there, I saw a little boy, and I realized that I really wanted to communicate with him and learn the language,” Chambers said.
That moment sparked her interest in teaching and her passion for the Spanish language and culture.
However, the journey to becoming a teacher and learning a new language wasn’t easy. Chambers said she faced many challenges along the way.
“Something I struggled with while learning Spanish were the word conjugations, verbs and order of sentences,” she said.
Chambers added that the first few years of teaching can be especially difficult for new educators.
“I’d say the first three years are a 10 out of 10 in difficulty. You’re learning curriculum, planning lessons and grading all at once,” she said. “But I think if teachers can get past those first few years, they can overcome the challenges of being a teacher.”
Chambers has spent more than two decades as an educator. This year marks 26 years since she started teaching at South, beginning in fall 1999.
When asked why she chose South, Chambers said the school immediately felt like home.
“I loved that there were so many people from different cultures. The school also allowed me to teach ESL and Spanish at the same time, which was perfect for me.”
Chambers said what she enjoys most about teaching is seeing her students grow and become more independent, as well as connecting with them on a personal level.
“I love that my students are able to look at real-world problems and offer solutions,” she said. “The best part of being a teacher is getting to know my students. I love learning about their lives.”
Throughout her years at South, Chambers has had many lasting memories. She recalled how supportive her students were when her father died.
“My students were so understanding of my situation. The maturity of my students really amazed me,” she said. “The class of 2017 is also a special memory for me. They were willing to teach me about immigration and shared unique perspectives about what immigrants are really facing right now.”
Even after so many years of teaching, Chambers doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
“I want to teach as long as I can, physically and mentally,” she said.
Chambers said she feels deeply passionate about her work and appreciated for her role.
“Teaching is such a big part of my life. I don’t feel like I’m not recognized as a teacher — I feel like I’m appreciated,” she said. “People close to me know how much I talk about my passion.”
Her dedication was recognized when she won the Buffett Teacher of the Year Award in 2022. The honor includes a $10,000 cash prize and a silver medallion for exceptional educators who make an impact in the classroom.
But what Chambers said she loves most about South High is the community itself.
“I love that I get to speak Spanish every day. Walking down the hallway, you’ll hear students playing their guitars and singing. I love that different cultures are represented and the music that I hear. The welcoming, family vibe at South is the best.”
