I’ve been at Hillwood, now Lawson, my whole high school journey, and I have never taken Ms. Paige Elliott’s class, but I’ve had the privilege and honor to know her. I met her during my 11th grade year because she used to drive me, my sister, and our friends to the bus stop after school.

During that short time, I got to know her as an amazing, confident woman who exudes a bright passion for teaching and knowledge. We exchanged music taste, advice, and much more. 

One of her inspirations that drives her passion for teaching is a man named James Baldwin.

“He had everything against him, being a gay black man in the 60s, and he still overcame every obstacle put in his path. His bravery and sense of clarity in the world inspires me, and that’s something I bring to my teaching,” Elliott said.

For 13 years, Elliott has put her heart into teaching and developing young students. She teaches English II for 10th and 11th graders. To her, this is one of the most important jobs in the world, and she gets so much joy from it. 

“It’s never boring, and the people working in schools are not in it for the money. We all have a common goal, and it’s important to me. I like spending time with teenagers because they are funny and interesting, unique and optimistic,” Elliott said.

Elliott is someone who learns as well as teaches. Teaching has even leaked into her personal life, as she uses it daily even outside of school. 

“Being in this profession has helped me learn how to motivate people. I’ve learned to be very clear when giving instructions and how to approach and learn more about people’s background who differ from me. Being a teacher has given me confidence in situations,” Elliott said.

Besides being very deep rooted into the art of teaching, she has various interests that most people wouldn’t guess.

“Most people wouldn’t know that I love Legos, and I hate driving. One of my most unknown interests is British royalty even though I’m not a royalist,” Elliott said.

Elliott continues to grow as a teacher. To offer some advice to new teachers who are just now starting out, Elliott said,

“Get up and move around the room. And everything doesn’t have to be for a grade.”