Trading crayons for notebooks, Heather McCoy transitions from teaching elementary school students to leading the child development department. Having more than a decade of experience behind her, she welcomes the opportunity to teach at the high school level.

“I would love to inspire future children, future teachers and students who want to work with children and show them my passion for teaching and love with children,” McCoy said.

School isn’t her only focus, however, outside of the classroom, McCoy is often with her family.

“Out of school, I love to hike and spend time in the mountains, paddle board and travel all over the world — mostly with my husband and my family,” McCoy said.

Her children have also been part of Whitney’s community, giving McCoy a different perspective as both a parent and a teacher.

“Emerson is 23 and a first-grade teacher. She went through the Child Development Program at Whitney. Hudson is 20 and in a carpentry apprenticeship, and he also went through Whitney. My youngest, Baylor, is in seventh grade now, and she’ll be at Whitney in two years,” McCoy said.

Her decision to teach at the high school level was heavily influenced by her previous career working at Rock Creek Elementary.

“I taught 22 years of elementary school, and I’d worked closely with the teachers here at Whitney in the child development program. For about 12 years, I had Whitney students come into my classroom as part of the STARS program, so I already knew what an awesome program it was. When the opportunity came, it just fit with my credentials and experience, and I thought I could bring a lot to it,” McCoy said.

The shift in classroom dynamics from elementary school to high school has been noticeable.

“Students’ level of independence, having to use a lot more technology versus second grade, yeah, just the constant activity around campus and the vibrancy,” McCoy said.

Ethan Gregory, a returning child development student, said he noticed the patience McCoy brings into the classroom. He explained that her approach helps students feel comfortable as they learn.

“She’s very patient, she doesn’t really rush you, and if you don’t know the answer, she’ll help you, she doesn’t make you feel embarrassed or anything, [she’s] super patient,” Gregory said.

A first-year child development student, Gianna McCauley, said she loved the welcoming environment and hands-on activities in the class. She described McCoy as a kind, respectful, and funny teacher who makes sure everyone feels included.

“I would say that even, the first week of school, she was making sure that everyone was comfortable, and just being very respectful of everyone’s personal space, while also still teaching, so it just feels like a very comfortable classroom,” McCauley said.

McCoy also reflected on being a part of the community on campus. She described the students, staff and campus as positive parts of her first year.

“I’m so happy to be at Whitney High School, and I’m loving all the students; they’re all phenomenal, and the staff is so welcoming, and the community is awesome,” McCoy said.

Leaving her classroom, which she had been in for several years, meant she had to find a way to find closure to that part of her life.

“I’m not a pack rat, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but still, 22 years of teaching means you’ve got some stuff. My daughter, who’s a first-grade teacher, came shopping in my classroom and took lots of things she could use. So it was bittersweet, but it also felt like passing the torch,” McCoy said.

Although the switch from elementary to high school required certain adjustments, McCoy is prepared, drawing on her background to guide her instruction. Her years of teaching younger children shaped her approach.

“Being with the young children, there’s a lot you need to know about them and how to teach, not just what to teach,” McCoy said.

Despite all the changes and adjustments that had to be made to adapt to a high school environment, McCoy is eager to contribute to a better future for the child development program.

“I’m just so excited to be here and continue to develop the child development program. It’s already amazing, but I’m excited to put my spin on it and hopefully inspire students to want to work with children,” McCoy said.

by SIMON ARAGOZA, HUNTER HODSON, ISABELLA KARPATY, NIKOL PARPAUTS         & SASHA SMITH