Twelve new staff members are wrapping up their first year at Deep Run. Two of these are English teacher Jason Liebler and Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher Emma Banister. While Liebler is a veteran teacher, this is Banister’s first year as a licensed teacher.

   “I did student teach at Moody Middle School last year. So, I do have some experience prior, but this is my first official year teaching,” Banister said.

   Banister had also observed and student taught in Chesterfield and other schools in Henrico in preparation for her licensure. Banister is satisfied with her position now, but her road to becoming an educator wasn’t linear. Before teaching, she worked at a grocery store, a cafe, Coldstone, and the YMCA. She received her undergraduate degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in education at VCU.

   “I actually did not realize I was going to teach until I was in my junior year of college. I originally went to college for criminal justice, and then I switched my major to history, and that was really boring, so I switched it to environmental studies,” Banister said. “But I had a minor in education, so I was like, ‘why not,’” Banister said.

   Banister has enjoyed engaging with the staff and students at Deep Run while adjusting to this new environment.

   “My department, they are so welcoming, and they are so eager to answer my questions. And the staff in general, everyone was really kind. Also, the relationships I build with students have definitely been a highlight. A lot of the students that I taught at Moody are also here, so I got to see them through that transition,” Banister said.

   Another new staff member is veteran English teacher Jason Liebler. Liebler may be new to Deep Run, but he began teaching in 2005. Since then, he has taught various levels of English courses.

   “When I first started, I taught the magnet program, which is kind of like the accelerated gifted program. But, for the most part, I’ve pretty much taught every English class you could possibly have between sixth grade and 15th grade,” Liebler said.

   The catalyst for Liebler’s teaching career was his mom, who shared the same passion.

   “My mom was a teacher for 30 years. So I remember talking with her about it, being inspired by her very much […], when I graduated undergrad with a degree in poetry, my mom suggested that I try to get a provisional license in Virginia,” Liebler said.

   In his first year at Deep Run, Liebler has noticed the motivation in students to achieve their academic best.

   “Students here tend to be more education driven, more focused on materials and getting things done. That’s been different from some other places that I’ve worked,” Liebler said.

   This school has brought change to his job, but Liebler’s attitude towards teaching has remained the same.

   “I’ve always noticed that when people in the classroom want to learn, want to grow, they can see education as a place of empowerment. And I want to facilitate that in any position that I’m in,” Liebler said. “If I am sweeping the grounds at night, or I am the principal, that’s all of our goals, is to make sure that you guys have what you need. And all opportunities to do the best that you can.”

   We can plan to see Liebler stick around for a while, as this school year has made him optimistic about the years to come.

   “I’m excited to come back next year and improve on what I’ve done this year,” Liebler said.

   Both Liebler and Banister are optimistic about their future at Deep Run, and we can expect many students to pass through their classrooms in the coming years.