Guiding Fairdale Students to Write Their Own Stories with Lisa Garrett
Every student has a story to tell, and Lisa Garrett is passionate about helping them write it. Her own career journey has been filled with unexpected chapters, and now, as Academy Coach at Fairdale High School, she's dedicated to guiding students as they write their own stories of success.
A Winding Career Narrative
Ms. Garrett's professional story began away from the classroom. After earning an English degree in college, she stepped into the world of publishing, working for LEO Magazine, founded by John Yarmuth. As a copy editor, she focused on layout and design, honing her skills in crafting compelling presentations. However, the financial realities of the publishing world led her to seek a different path.
Reflecting on this period, Ms. Garrett describes her twenties as "a wild ride of different careers," a time of exploration and discovery. Despite her English degree, her initial desire was to explore a different career outside of school, which led her to the magazine. Ultimately, though, her passion for education called her back, prompting her to pursue an MAT degree and embark on a new chapter in her professional life.
Authoring an Educational Journey
Ms. Garrett began her teaching career in her early 30s, starting her first school year in 1999-2000. Her journey began at Dunbar in Lexington, followed by a period in Nashville, and then a return to Louisville in 2004 to teach at Iroquois. For several years, from 2004 to 2011, she shared her love of language and literature with students at Iroquois as an English teacher. Later, she transitioned to Fairdale, taking on roles in MAP testing, reading intervention, Backpack to Success, KTip supervision, and Teaching and Learning instruction.
In February 2023, Ms. Garrett embraced a new role as Fairdale’s academy coach. This decision represented a significant plot twist in her career, driven by a desire to "learn and do something new." She acknowledges that this transition has felt like a total career change, requiring her to adapt to new responsibilities and a shift away from her long-time focus on core content.
Empowering Students to Pen Their Futures
Ms. Garrett's philosophy of education has evolved, mirroring the changing narratives of her own career. Initially, she believed that a four-year degree was the sole path to success for students. However, her experiences have revealed the myriad of opportunities available beyond college. "These kids have opportunities beyond a four-year degree," she affirms, emphasizing the joy she finds in seeing students "thrive in these areas." As an English teacher, she focused on reading and writing. Ms. Garrett considers herself a life-long learner.
“The Academies are great for what we need as a Fairdale community.”
Fairdale High School: A Setting for Diverse Stories
Ms. Garrett is passionate about the Academies' role in providing Fairdale High School students with the resources and support they need to author their own success stories. Recognizing that many students come from working-class backgrounds, she believes that "The Academies are great for what we need as a Fairdale community."
In recent years, the school's demographics have changed, with Fairdale now having a 40% Hispanic student population. Fairdale is also embracing Expeditionary Learning (EL) as "our turnaround model," aiming to empower students to be "a participant, not a passenger."
Achievements in This Educational Anthology
Fairdale High School offers a variety of pathways, providing students with different genres in which to write their future stories. As just a couple of examples, Fairdale has the only heavy machinery pathway in JCPS, and their cybersecurity program continues to thrive as a hidden jewel.
She deeply values her collaborative relationships with her team of school leaders and teachers, and she loves working with her group of "fantastic student ambassadors.” These relationships, along with the support of Tosha Ridenour, have been instrumental in her work.
Ms. Garrett's story is one of continuous evolution, both personally and professionally. Now, she is dedicated to helping Fairdale students develop the skills and knowledge they need to write their own compelling narratives and achieve success in their chosen paths.