After teaching Spanish I at Scribner and Hazelwood for four years, Jessica Philpot started teaching at NAHS this school year.
“I didn’t want to switch between buildings anymore,” Philpot said.
While Philpot is still teaching the same subject, Philpot now just has one classroom, instead of the two classrooms in different building.
Philpot grew up on the island of Oahu, one of the Hawaiian islands. Living by the water and all the fresh seafood and fruit, is what Philpot says she loved most about Hawaii.
“Everybody knows everybody,” Philpot said, “so you couldn’t really get in trouble because like, it was an island and you couldn’t really escape and get in trouble.”
After graduating from IU, with a degree in Spanish and Political Science with a masters in education, Philpot decided to go into teaching. That was just 15 years ago.
“I didn’t know how to do anything else [besides Spanish],” Philpot said. “Like, don’t ask me for math help.”
Philpot worked as a social worker before becoming a teacher. While working as a social worker, she noticed something.
“I was really bothered by equality and education just across the board,” Philpot said, “I was seeing so many kids fall behind that needed help.”
Since Philpot taught at middle schools before transitioning to NAHS, the experience of teaching isn’t the same as she’s used to, like the attitude and work-ethic of students when it comes to schoolwork.
“Everybody is so friendly [at NAHS],” Philpot said, “and I get to see all my favorite people [past students].”
Philpot says she also likes the inclusivity of NAHS. Philpot has two kids, 14 and 10. One is a freshman and the other goes to Highland Hills.
“My kids’ favorite [thing I cook] is Tikka Masala,” Philpot said, “It’s an Indian dish, like curry.”
Philpot went to University in Madrid, the capital of Spain, from 2000 to 2004. While there she would have a midday break called the siesta. Every day everyone would go home from 2pm to 5pm and then everyone would go and finish school for the evening until 7pm.
“It was honestly like the US,” Philpot said, “because it’s a big metropolitan country. It was like living in Chicago or something.”
When Philpot was in her freshman year of high school her family moved to New Albany. Philpot went to Graceland high school so she sent her kids to school in New Albany.
“I really loved [New Albany] when I was in high school,” Philpot said
Philpot also swims at the YMCA every morning and sometimes spots students there. She also likes to read and watch football games. While Philpot mostly cooks ethnic food she also bakes, specifically chocolate chip cookies.
“I’m entering [my cookies] in the state fair this year,” Philpot said, “I’m super excited.”
