Woodrow Wilson High School students recently nominated Mrs. Anna Phares for Teacher of the Month. Known for her kind and intelligent nature, Phares has taught at WWHS for 14 years.
In 2008 she earned her bachelor’s in education from Concord University and went on to complete a master’s degree. Being a former member of HSTA (Health Science Technology Academy) her original plan was to major was science. However, after shadowing an optometrist, she redirected to her favorite subject, English.
Starting her teaching career in 2009 at Valley High School of Fayette county, her love for teaching freshmen grew prominent. In 2010, she transferred to Woodrow Wilson’s English department. Never looking back, Phares was surprised by the sense of community within the school. “I thought I would be on my own secluded island, but whenever I needed someone, they were there.” Currently Phares is teaching Honor’s English 9 and Mythology. Foundations of her teaching methods include daily writing, close reading, and routine. “For anyone, especially young freshmen, routine is a life raft.”
In 2016 she was recognized as WWHS Teacher of the Year. Upon receiving Student’s Choice of Staff she felt flattered, but grateful. “I feel like I definitely get a lot of support. I have a goal to love my students every day and I feel that shows.” Throughout the year, Phares demonstrates acts of kindness by sending staff and students birthday cards, organizing the underclassmen awards, hosting Poetry Out Loud, and recognizing grievances.
Building relationships with students that transcend post freshman year, Phares has led many scholars to victory. In 2021, Phares sent her then student, Carson Misch to the Poetry Out Loud State Competition. This year she resumed that legacy by sending freshman Alexa Bieri to the State Young Writer’s competition.
