The TJ community is pumped to have Trammell as the newest addition to the faculty. photo by Baxter Stein
Former Spartan Dakota Trammell will begin her first year teaching next year at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Dakota Trammell has known that she wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. As early as middle school, she was already set on this idea. Despite this goal, Trammell actually had a tough time with school throughout her years, especially when she was younger. However, she found a rhythm in middle school and was able to blossom, but not without some struggle. It was these obstacles in her early learning that made her choose the career path she is currently taking. Teachers pushed her aside and would put Trammell’s learning as a second thought, but Trammell found that as motivation to work harder. “I always wanted to help students learn because I didn’t get that opportunity.” As a student, and soon-to-be teacher, she uses her personal hardships as inspiration for her teaching. Her goal is to be able to make a difference in her students’ educations and to give all of her pupils challenges as well as opportunities in a healthy learning environment.
Trammell currently attends Metropolitan State University and is studying to become a teacher. While she began her studies with the intention of becoming an English teacher, after her freshman year she switched to a focus on history. Trammell will graduate her program with a Bachelor degree in history and a secondary teaching licensure. Along with studying in the classroom, Metro State requires “field experience” where students must student-teach at three different schools. Before TJ, Trammell student-taught at Denver School of the Arts and South High School. Student-teaching at TJ is her last stop before completing her program. In her time at TJ, she has student-taught under Garien Behling and currently under Linda Estlund. Trammell earned a competitive position as a teacher here at TJ for next year and will likely teach U.S. History and AP Human Geography.
Trammell is extremely excited about her new start next semester, as is the TJ community. Being a teacher is very different from student-teaching. While she was able to learn as a student-teacher, finally being in an actual teaching role will allow her power within her own classroom. Trammell is pumped about experiencing the independence of having her own classes, but is also anxious about what comes with being a first-year teacher. For most teachers, their first year is a difficult one. They have to find their style and discover themselves in their teaching. Trammell is worried about the whole process, but she recognizes that TJ has her back. “I know I have a lot of support from administrators and fellow teachers and they’re gonna help me through that. Having that support is the best thing!”
Aside from teaching, Trammell is a huge fan of reading, especially science fiction. She loves any book that allows her to escape reality for a little while. She also enjoys swimming and recently has been going on more adventures. Exploring Colorado and visiting neighboring states is one of her favorite hobbies and she would love to do that even more. “I want to always separate myself [from school and work] and get out more.”
Joining the TJ staff next year, Trammell is dedicated to helping her new students succeed in and out of the classroom. She is ecstatic to use her background and training to provide a successful learning environment. With many amazing things to offer, Trammell will be a great addition to the TJ community!
