By Sophia Randall, Staff Writer In the educational sphere, teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future generations. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mrs. Crapanzano, an English teacher and department head at Norfolk Christian. Mrs. Crapanzano, known to students as Mrs. C, is a Norfolk Christian alumna who recently earned her Masters in English. She cited her grandmother as an inspiration for this pursuit; watching her grandmother get her doctorate sparked the desire for Mrs. C to do the same. Mrs. C’s process of getting her masters was tough, filled with many late nights, much like when she pursued her undergraduate degree, except this time, her educational path was specialized to her love for reading and writing. Despite this, Mrs. C’s hard work and long nights were worth it because she was able to learn more about what she loves. Mrs. C took over teaching AP Language and Composition and English 11 just last year. A key feature of her teaching philosophy is emphasis on encouragement and critical thinking. She wants every student to leave her class having learned something important, even if they don’t pursue a future career in English. Similarly, Mrs. C aims to foster an environment that supports students. For Mrs. C, teaching is more than the mere relaying of knowledge -- it’s about developing relationships that motivate students and enrich their knowledge. Photo by Lily Strickland; In addition to teaching AP English Language and Composition and English 11, Mrs. Crapanzano also teaches a Duel Enrollment English class. As with any profession, problems are inevitable. Mrs. C opened up about some challenges that she has faced recently, such as her husband’s indefinite deployment. However, instead of looking at these difficulties with despair, she offered advice to anyone who may be facing hardship in their own lives, emphasizing the importance of perspective. She believes that you can either let obstacles debilitate you, or look at them through a new lens, letting the Lord guide you through the troubled waters.
Upon reflecting on her life and career, two valuable lessons stand out to Mrs. C. From teaching, she has realized that flexibility is one of the most important traits to have. It is hard to predict the behavior of her different groups of students; a plan that works for one class might not work for another. She always strives to do what is best for her students, which often includes being flexible. Mrs. C has also learned much from reading, where the importance of perspective takes center stage. Reading has allowed her to view situations from endless viewpoints, enriching her understanding of the world. Through challenges, lessons, and learning, Mrs. C stands as a beacon of inspiration for anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her, students and coworkers alike. Mrs. Crapanzano’s story is not just about teaching -- it’s a testament to the power of education in shaping our hearts and minds.
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