Mrs. Nancy Massey is probably know for two main things around campus – her love for all things eco-friendly and tie-dye. In honor of this week of Earth Day fun, we wanted to check in with FPD’s (most likely) biggest Earth Day fan about her passion for teaching and what she loves most about being at FPD. Mrs. Massey started at FPD in 2006 and currently teaches Middle School Life Science and leads our Middle School Environmental Club.

 What inspired you to be a teacher?

Truly, the students inspired me!  I had not planned on being a teacher right out of college but had an opportunity to help another science teacher who needed a long-term substitute.  I started in August and by December, I knew exactly what I was going to do!

 What do you like about teaching middle school?

I love teaching middle school students!  Of course, there is a lot of drama and energy at that age … but, it is NEVER boring! Middle school is such a transitional time in a student’s life, and I marvel at how they change from August to May.  To play a supportive part in that process is such a gift!

 What is your favorite part of the curriculum that you teach?

The “ah-ha” moments in life science when a student crinkles his/her eyebrows in disbelief and then smiles at discovering a new creature, a new relationship between organisms in the environment, or even how something works.  That reaction is pretty infectious!

 By the end of each school year, what do you hope to inspire in your students?

To try something new – to keep searching for their special God-given gifts – and to refrain from expecting their gifts to be like everyone else’s.  How boring the forest would be if every bird sang the same tune!

 Why do you think FPD is a special place to work?

It may sound repetitive, but it is true … FPD is a wonderful family to work with, grow with, and share my own children with. 

Quick Questions:

Favorite book? “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Favorite movie? “The Princess Bride”

Hobbies? Restoring my 100 year-old farmhouse, trying to learn how to raise chickens/ducks, and gardening

Favorite place you have traveled? Ireland

Favorite Bible verse? Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an examplefor the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.  1 Timothy 4:12