Where do you teach? Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Fayette County)
What subject(s) and/or grade(s) do you teach? English Language Development and Reading for ELs
How long have you been teaching? 21 years
Why did you become a teacher? My mother was my inspiration to become a teacher. I saw how she inspired her students and experienced how she motivated me. I admired her dedication and wanted to follow in her footsteps to do the same for my students.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? I can be as creative as I want to be as a teacher. I can’t remember a time in my career when anyone has told me no to an idea or activity that I wanted my student to do. Creativity and innovation is encouraged!
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? Teaching is part of the job. I also encourage, motivate, counsel, cheer, inspire, empathize, and listen just to name a few.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? I would have to say that my greatest accomplishment as a teacher is knowing that everyday I am striving to make a positive impact in the lives of my students. Over the years, I have reconnected with a few of my students and they have reminded me of something I use to say, fun things we use to do, and the way I made them feel in my classroom. I feel so proud to see that many of them have matured and developed into responsible adults.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? I love to travel and spend time with my family.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ghana
What are your social media handles? Facebook-Latanza Stephens Garvin, Instagram-natural3, X-@tangygarvin, tiktok-@latanzag