FSLM Teacher Profile
/Meet Mitzi Quinn
By Madeline Smallwood
The sounds of rustling papers, meticulous scratching of a red pen, and keyboard clacking make up a familiar soundscape for Pleasant Grove English teacher Mitzi Quinn.
“I started teaching in the fall of 1980, so 44 years [ago],” Mitzi said. “I’ve always taught English, but I have taught some journalism and leadership classes [too]. I’ve taught grades 7–12, but currently I’m teaching juniors and seniors.”
Many people struggle to find a career that they can put their whole being into, but Mitzi easily chose teaching. “[I’ve always wanted to be a teacher] from the time I was a little girl and would line my baby dolls up and make them listen to me teach,” Mitzi shared. “I think I wanted to be a teacher because I had such excellent teachers, and I think I have continued to enjoy being a teacher because of the relationships I’ve built with my students.”
While grading papers and lecturing are a part of teaching, those aren’t the things that necessarily make an impression on students. Mitzi cares for her students and shows it in many ways. “I send them off with little goodie bags of snacks on game days. I put up things on my board that they published in the newspaper. I’m feeding the girls soccer team tonight, and I feed the football team every year. It’s just my way of saying thank you to my students for making this such a wonderful environment,” she said.
“What I want [my students] to remember most is that I respect them and I love them.”
Love and respect form the foundation of Mitzi’s teaching philosophy, fostering an environment where students feel loved and supported. “[My favorite part of teaching is] getting to be with [my students], and when we talk about stories, I get to see [their] minds and how they’re working,” she reflected.
Creating a safe space for exploration and expression is one of Mitzi’s top priorities in the classroom. ‘[I get to see] what wonderful concepts [students] have and provide a safe space for [them] to talk about that without fear of being told that’s the wrong answer,” she explained. “I think one of the joys of being an English teacher is that I am able to allow students to explore feelings and ideas.”
Through tireless efforts, Mitzi ensures that her students are not only academically equipped but also empowered when they leave her classroom. “I want to make sure that, when they leave me, they are prepared for whatever step comes next,” she shared. “Right now, that’s college. So I want to make sure that they have all the tools in their little toolbox. I don’t want them to struggle.”
In Mitzi Quinn’s classroom, it’s not just about the lessons in books but also the lessons in life, love, and respect. “What I want [my students] to remember most is that I respect them and I love them,” she said.