The teacher spotlight for the week is Mr. Whitt Farr, a tenth and twelfth grade English teacher.
Farr earned his bachelor of arts degree at William and Mary University in 2003, and he completed his masters teaching credits at Averett University.
Farr began at Chatham High School in 2004 and has been teaching English for the past twenty-one years.
“I like being able to pass on important lessons to each group of students,” Mr. Farr said. “I want everyone to have a positive experience and to leave my class knowing more than they knew before they came into it.”
Mr. Farr has had very positive experiences through teaching.
“Graduation is a very rewarding experience as a teacher, and I enjoy watching students come back and stay in contact over the years.”
Although there have been uplifting experiences, teachers face many challenges.
“Things are always changing in the classroom so it is always up to the teachers to adjust and adapt,” Farr said. “Covid-19 was really tough, but we [teachers] pushed and got through it. I think teachers and students are glad to put that behind us.”
“I feel blessed to teach at Chatham. I went to GW myself, and I loved being a student there; but teaching here is really special,” said Farr. “At Chatham, there is a family atmosphere; the teachers are close, and the students are the same way. If something bad or good happens to one of us, we’re all affected by it. I hope to retire at Chatham.”
Mr. Farr advice to aspiring teachers is “Don’t let people tell you you’ll lose your passion after a few years,” said Farr. “If you are really meant to be a teacher; if that is your calling, you won’t lose that passion to teach.
“I think this group, this generation of students, have the opportunity to make our country a better place or continue to keep sliding backwards. I think it is a big responsibility to people graduating: it’s up to you guys to make America a better place.”
