Friday Faculty Feature

February 3, 2017

Sarena Pettit

Middle School Spanish

Spanish Club Sponsor

At Sumner Academy since: 1978

B.A. Vanderbilt

M.Ed. Western Kentucky

If you weren't a teacher at Sumner Academy, what would you be?

I would be a teacher in another school with similar mission and beliefs as Sumner Academy. If that were not possible, I would work with the Hispanic population as an interpreter in a hospital, law office or in helping them acquire housing, aid, etc.

What is your favorite Sumner Academy field study?

My favorite S.A. field study – day trip to the Mexican restaurant, where the students have to order in Spanish.  For the 8^th grade, it is a “Burro Day” where they must speak in Spanish the entire trip. The 8^th grade trip to San Antonio is my favorite overnight trip.  The students enjoy multiple opportunities to use their Spanish in the culturally rich environment while we are there.

What is the most favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is working with the students in the classroom, encouraging them to use their talents in imaginative, creative and fun ways in class.  It is extremely rewarding to watch the students master a skill or concept and then joyfully apply it in the lesson.

What is your favorite Sumner Academy tradition?

Eighth grade graduation is my favorite S.A. tradition.  As faculty members share their stories about the graduates, we are all drawn into a celebration of our graduates, their accomplishments and their hopes and dreams.