For William Presswood, his students are front and center.
By Margaret Cohn
After a year of teaching ESE at Miami Beach Senior High School, William Presswood is now teaching World History and AP Psychology in his new classroom, room 312.
“Acting on other department member recommendations, I asked for him to be made part of my department,” says Social Studies Department Chair Eduardo DeVarona.
Presswood, a graduate of the University of West Georgia, moved to Miami when a career in social work just was not working for him.
“It was the most depressing thing I’ve ever done,” he says. “It takes a toll and you don’t feel like you’re doing any good even thought you really are.”
Beach High, he says, was the first school recommended to him by teachers in the Dade County school system.
“Beach High carries a reputation around the county as a good high school,” informs Presswood. “Not to downplay other schools, but this school has such a unique community.”
Presswood always had a career in education on his mind, but decided he needed to do some growing up before getting a job. Working as a social worker, he realized the importance of secondary education.
“I think secondary education is an important step, and if certain goals…aren’t met, a student isn’t able to successfully enter into higher education. I would like to be a bridge between secondary education and higher education.”
Mr. Presswood has quickly become a teacher worth talking about. Students in his AP Psychology class are constantly discussing the stories he tells them, along with the interesting lessons he presents to them any given period.
“Mr. Presswood brings his background in psychology, and uses it to teach us, accorsing to Junior Daryl Stein. “He uses some of the more interesting clinical studies to get us engaged in the topic of the day.”
Now that he is in a teaching position, Presswood can not get enough of it. He really enjoys the challenges of it, and how everyday is something new. Fellow Beach High teachers have really helped him during his time here, and he enjoys learning different techniques and skills from his colleagues.
“Being in education is new and exciting,” he says. “it’s never the same. Everything changes for better.”
Comments