Fifth grade teacher Victoria Hollingsworth is not only a much-loved faculty member, she is also an alumna of FPD! As the fifth grade language arts teacher, she inspires her students to enjoy reading just as many of her FPD teachers did when she was a student. She also inspires her students to give back with a joyful spirit, and this week her class found out they had the highest participation of any class at FPD in the Goodwill Donation Drive and will receive a pizza party! Congratulations, fifth graders!
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. Each year growing up, starting around 6 years old, I began asking for “teacher stuff” for my birthday and Christmas. I even asked for an overhead projector for Christmas when I was in middle school. I used these gifts as tools to teach my invisible students at home. Later on, I spent my high school and college days babysitting, tutoring elementary students, working in the church nursery, working as an elementary camp counselor, and working in a daycare. Becoming an elementary school teacher was a dream that I have truly had my entire life.
What is it like to be back at FPD as a former student and now a faculty member?
It is such a cool experience to be teaching at my alma mater. I feel like I am back home again. It is fun to be on the other side of things and to see some of my former teachers now as fellow faculty members. I have enjoyed seeing how FPD has grown since I graduated only 10 years ago. What a fun way to get the “inside scoop.”
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students grow academically, physically, and spiritually each school year. Being at FPD I get the privilege of seeing most of my students grow up, continuing their education from my 5th grade classroom all the way through their senior year of high school. Of course the best part of being a teacher is seeing a student have that “light bulb moment” when they have finally grasped something that has been so difficult for them to understand.
What do you hope to inspire in your students?
Just like our mission statement says, I want to educate and equip my students to change the world for God’s glory. I hope to inspire my students to be the best that they can be. I want them to always do what honors and pleases the Lord. I want them to know that they can do anything they set their minds to. I want to inspire my students to chase after their dreams just as I did.
What makes FPD a special place to work?
The students, their parents, the faculty, and the staff make FPD the most special place to work. The atmosphere is much like a family where everyone prays for one another, encourages one another, and helps one another. It is truly the best of the best.
Fast Fire Questions:
Favorite genre of literature? Christian fiction
Grammar pet peeve? homophones like: their, there, they’re and your, you’re
(However, as an Language Arts teacher there are so many more.)
Hobbies? Hobbies? What are those? I am currently in graduate school and I have two little ones at home so these don’t exist. When I graduate I do hope to pick back up on baking, reading for pleasure, and hanging out with friends and family more often.
Favorite place you have traveled? The beach is my tried and true. Outside of the beach, San Diego, CA, Boston, MA, or New York City.
Favorite Bible verse? Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”