Jessie Weaver will join the Darlington Community this fall as an Upper School math teacher, head softball coach and assistant golf coach. And with a personal teaching philosophy that is right in line with Darlington's, she is sure to make a difference in the lives of the students she teaches and coaches.
“I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially,” she explained. “It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment: (1) The teacher acting as a guide (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his or her learning and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.”
Weaver holds a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing her Master of Art in Teaching with a focus on Secondary Education (Mathematics) at the University of Phoenix.
"I am very excited to have Jessie as a part of our team," said Chad Woods, chairman of Darlington's math department. "She brings a lot of energy with her, and she fits right in with our passion for math, our love for teaching students, and our philosophy of education."
For the past two years, Weaver has worked in marketing and account management at Shaw Industries, but is more than ready to combine her knowledge, passion, talents and energy for the benefit of students.
“I have always had a passion for children, but about a year ago was when I decided it was really time to take that passion and put it into action," she said. "I felt ready to live a more purpose-filled life than one just to work and have a job.”
She added that she is really looking forward to working with Darlington's softball and golf programs next year. As an undergraduate at Georgia Tech, she played softball and helped lead her team to three ACC Championships in four years. The starting catcher was also named to the All-ACC Academic Team and the All-ACC Honor Roll. Additionally, she has 11 years of experience coaching softball through Champions Fast Pitch Academy.
Finding a family-like community such as Darlington was a big win for Weaver, who loves spending time with her own family. This includes her dog, Ella Kate; her parents, who she is sure will be proud supporters of the Darlington Tigers this fall; and her older brother, Blake, who is married with two children and serves full time in the Army National Guard.
"I can't wait to join the Darlington Community this fall," Weaver said. "I am most looking forward to getting to meet new people and learn about where they come from and where they want to go. I believe it is important to help students set short- and long-term goals for themselves. Seeing students succeed and follow their dreams is more than gratifying.”
Note: Weaver will fill the gap in the math department left by Kent Harrison ('01) and Dana Peek, who will each teach part time next year in order to take on additional leadership roles at Darlington. Harrison has been named associate athletic director and Peek will be a dean of students at the Upper School.
