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Through the Eyes of a Tiger: An Interview with Mrs. Wilson
Nov 13, 2014 8:54 AM
By Mario Dinatti '15 - '15
Beth Wilson has been a member of Darlington's English faculty since 2007 and currently serves as chairperson of the English department. She teaches English 2, English 4 and AP English Language. Beth holds a B.A. from Davidson College, an M.A. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and is currently finishing up her doctorate. She and her husband, Zac, have two children, Gus ('27) and June, and live in Thornwood House.
How did you start working at Darlington?
My then-fiancé (now my husband) lived in Rome and was really happy here. We decided that if I could work at Darlington, we'd live here, and if not, we'd live in Chattanooga, where there are more independent schools. I began pestering the director of the Upper School around September, and in about April, he hired me to teach English and yearbook. I don't know if it was my résumé or my tenacity that got me the job, but either way, I'm glad it worked.
What are your roles at Darlington?
I teach world literature and composition to sophomores, AP English language and composition to (mostly) juniors, and a literary theory course and a writing course to seniors. In the past I've taught freshmen, as well. I am the chairperson of the English department, so I guide curriculum, lead and support the English teachers, and do important things like keep us in red pens and coffee. I work in Thornwood House (current holder of the Centennial Cup—go T-wood!), and my family and I live in the dorm. I also serve on committees and that sort of thing.
What do you love most about Darlington?
I love the relationships we have at Darlington. We know each other as students and colleagues, as neighbors, and as friends. I get to discuss English with students in class and hear their views on politics outside of class (well, sometimes in class, too). I pressure Thornwood girls to get their work done, but we also chat about everything from parents to colleges to boys after study hall. My kids' neighbors are (or will be) their classmates. My husband's running buddies are my colleagues, and our families spend time together as they train and race. I can walk across campus to blow off steam at a friend's house. It can get complicated at times, being so enmeshed in a community where I both work and live, but it is also very rewarding.
What is your favorite memory from your entire experience at Darlington?
What makes Darlington such a special place?
Probably the fact that I couldn't narrow it down to fewer than ten favorite memories! I don't think we do everything perfectly here, but we are always striving to be a place that does what's best for our students by seeing each one as an individual and offering an education that prepares you for both success and fulfillment in college and life.
How did you start working at Darlington?
My then-fiancé (now my husband) lived in Rome and was really happy here. We decided that if I could work at Darlington, we'd live here, and if not, we'd live in Chattanooga, where there are more independent schools. I began pestering the director of the Upper School around September, and in about April, he hired me to teach English and yearbook. I don't know if it was my résumé or my tenacity that got me the job, but either way, I'm glad it worked.
What are your roles at Darlington?
I teach world literature and composition to sophomores, AP English language and composition to (mostly) juniors, and a literary theory course and a writing course to seniors. In the past I've taught freshmen, as well. I am the chairperson of the English department, so I guide curriculum, lead and support the English teachers, and do important things like keep us in red pens and coffee. I work in Thornwood House (current holder of the Centennial Cup—go T-wood!), and my family and I live in the dorm. I also serve on committees and that sort of thing.
What do you love most about Darlington?
I love the relationships we have at Darlington. We know each other as students and colleagues, as neighbors, and as friends. I get to discuss English with students in class and hear their views on politics outside of class (well, sometimes in class, too). I pressure Thornwood girls to get their work done, but we also chat about everything from parents to colleges to boys after study hall. My kids' neighbors are (or will be) their classmates. My husband's running buddies are my colleagues, and our families spend time together as they train and race. I can walk across campus to blow off steam at a friend's house. It can get complicated at times, being so enmeshed in a community where I both work and live, but it is also very rewarding.
What is your favorite memory from your entire experience at Darlington?
There is no way I could choose a favorite memory! There are some funny stories that I probably shouldn't publish on the website, mostly outrageous conversations in AP language and skits from senior retreats that I will never forget (even if I try). I have really great memories from RUMPUS, especially practicing lip-synch routines for hours with the Thornwood girls. I treasure the experiences my colleagues and I have shared as we traveled to conferences together; we always learn a lot and have tons of fun, which reenergizes us when we get back to school.
I even have good Darlington memories of dealing with adversity, like when the toilet overflowed on the math hall and it started raining in my classroom; my then-freshmen (now seniors) sprang into action to save all my stuff. Or when 35 girls and three families have huddled together in Thornwood's downstairs bathroom during tornadoes. And of course there was the giant waterfall in our apartment last year that ruined all our furniture, electronics, appliances, and, tragically, most of my shoes—the whole Darlington community offered us support.
But really my best memories are of students who have been really special to me—the discussions in and out of class, the downtime in the dorm, the way you guys make me laugh, the visits and Facebook chats long after graduation. To love teaching high school is to love being around teenagers and watching them become thoughtful, interesting, entertaining adults.
But really my best memories are of students who have been really special to me—the discussions in and out of class, the downtime in the dorm, the way you guys make me laugh, the visits and Facebook chats long after graduation. To love teaching high school is to love being around teenagers and watching them become thoughtful, interesting, entertaining adults.
What makes Darlington such a special place?
Probably the fact that I couldn't narrow it down to fewer than ten favorite memories! I don't think we do everything perfectly here, but we are always striving to be a place that does what's best for our students by seeing each one as an individual and offering an education that prepares you for both success and fulfillment in college and life.
