Atkinson builds rapport along with French knowledge
Who is the new French teacher at West Florence? Introducing Mrs. Allison Atkinson, a kind, new, and compassionate teacher ready to build a rapport with her students and colleagues.
Atkinson has been married to her husband Philip for 22 years and has a 19 year old daughter named Abby, a freshman in Charleston Southern.
A day in Atkinson’s life is as follows: waking up, reading the bible, getting ready [a 35 minute drive to work], getting ready for her classes, teaching, driving home, supper, cleaning, watching TV, reading, and going to bed.
On an interesting side note Atkinson explained how she has broken her ankle in 4 places over the years.
Atkinson always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and like many other little kids she used to play class with her stuffed animals. Although she said she didn’t know what she wanted to teach at first, she knew she liked language, and later discovered her love for French.
Atkinson earned an undergraduate degree in French and in Education at Columbia College, a school known for its traditions, founded in 1854, and will be turning co-ed by Fall 2021.
“Yes, I would recommend [the college]” Atkinson said “[They were] very generous financially.”
During her time at Columbia College, as a junior Atikinson spent a semester in Angers, France. She explained how important it is to study and how you must know the material. Where the people actually speak French and you need to get something done or you want something, she said you’ll figure out a way to say it.
Her goals for this year are to get settled at West, build a rapport, and cover as much material as possible in half the amount of time.
Atkinson said how change is hard throughout the interview process; she said she was at Marion for 19 years and she knew the district, and now her obstacle is adapting, which she says doesn’t get easier.
She said she plans to overcome this by asking questions when she is confused.
“Everyone is so nice,” she said, which makes it easier on her.
Her definition of a “good student” is someone who pays attention, asks for help when needed, and tries. She would much rather have someone who pays attention and tries then someone who expects it to be easy.
The rapport between teacher and students, and students and students is what Atkinson thinks is the most important in the classroom.
“If you’re comfortable, you’ll learn,” she said.
So how does Atkinson like WF after 13 days of school?.
“I love it, ” she said. “Even though the student body is smaller, I can still feel the school spirit.”
About her teaching philosophy Atkinson said “If you care about the students, they feel it and they will learn, because even if they don’t care for themselves, they’ll do it to please you.”
