Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302805
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Andrea Glover was a featured speaker during Black History Month. Howard Middle School Future Business Leaders of America movie night with a team-building activity. The Capturing Culture Excursion to Washington, D.C., was an all-expenses-paid trip for students who are members of Lois's Kids Inc. After that ridicule from her peers, Glover stopped speaking in middle school. "For two years I stopped utilizing my voice," she said. "It wasn't until my senior year of high school and college that I was reminded God had created me, and I needed to speak." ough she's had the opportunity to relocate to both Atlanta and Seattle over the last few years, she's always been drawn back home. "My roots are here, my family is here and my impact has to be made here," Glover said. "I love Macon and I love supporting those who are just like me – hopeful and naïve about what this world has to offer. I hope to inspire those in my community, and I hope to challenge them, too." For the last two years, Glover has been teaching at Howard Middle as a business education teacher. "It's exactly the project-based learning we need to simulate real- life situations that will prepare our students to be life-long learners," she said, adding that the connections she's made with students have changed the way they feel about their teachers. "I enjoyed how she made her classroom a safe environment so that everyone can feel comfortable talking and sharing things with one another," said one young person. Said another: "Her teaching style is very unique. She is one of the very few teachers who knows how to connect on a personal level with her students." Glover's life vision has come full circle, as she has accepted a position as school counselor at Hartley Elementary for the upcoming school year. Utilizing her background in cultural responsivity, organizational structure, community involvement and her passion for people, Glover said her new role will allow her to engage on a different level. "Moving into a leadership role will give me an opportunity to cast a wider net of influence," she said. "Although I'll definitely miss being in the classroom, I'm excited about the impact I'll have and the opportunity to work with other dynamic leaders in education." Kevin Adams, former principal at Howard Middle, said Glover is amazing at connecting with students. "Ms. Glover does an amazing job of connecting with students in such a way that she can be demanding while also encouraging students to put forth their best effort," Adams said. "By building strong relationships she is able to breathe hope into the lives of her students." In the school environment, Glover said she cherishes the chance to model behaviors that encourage students to dream out loud and face their biggest fears head-on. "I want to be a role model for both working hard and working smart," she said. "I only hope I can continue to encourage all students to love who they are and live unapologetically while loving unconditionally." Glover also encourages students to embrace those who look like them, and be curious and compassionate to those who may not share their same experiences. "Our students are naïve to societal constructs," she said. "eir imaginations are what's needed for innovation and expanding the world "IT'S AFFIRMING TO KNOW MY PRESENCE, MY POWER, AND MY GIFT CAN BE USED TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO CONTINUE TO HEAL THEMSELVES." -ANDREA GLOVER 70 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020