Latrice Woods is celebrating her 20th year as a teacher, including three years at Midtown. In her career, she has taught different science classes, but many of Midtown’s students remember her as their ninth grade biology teacher.
Woods said teaching has been a life-long pursuit guided by her love of helping others.
“I’ve been teaching my whole life,” Woods said. “I used to play teacher on my porch. I always knew I wanted to do something to give back to the community.”
Woods said her first year as a teacher wasn’t easy. She said the job required perseverance because she didn’t go to college for teaching and had to learn everything on the job.
“I was a nervous wreck and very young,” Woods said. “I felt like a student with the older, more experienced teachers.”
She has now taught chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, physical science and biotechnology, but said her favorite is teaching ninth-grade biology, especially the genetics unit.
“I love teaching genetics,” Woods said. “Kids get really excited about how traits are inherited. When they’re interested, I get excited, too.”
Freshman Brynn Roll, a student of Woods, said her teaching style brings biology to life. Woods uses hands-on labs and storytelling to make biology feel relevant and engaging, Roll said.
“Ms. Woods has a way of making complex topics feel approachable,” Roll said. ”She connects the material to our lives, which makes it easier to understand and more interesting to learn.”
Sophomore Hawkins Defalcis, a former student of Woods, said she works hard to build relationships with students by maintaining an open mindset. She shares stories about her life, and avoids talking down to students to make them feel supported, Defalcis said.
“Ms. Woods created an environment where I felt safe to ask questions and challenge myself,” Defalcis said. “She didn’t just teach us biology, she taught us how to think critically and believe in ourselves.”
Woods said a standout moment in her career was when a student asked her to walk out with her during senior night because her parents couldn’t be there.
“That meant a lot,” Woods said. “Not all parents are active, so when a student asks you to step in like that, it matters.”
Woods said teaching is not always an easy job. She said students can be energetic and often need redirection. Despite its challenges, Woods said she loves to see student growth.
“My classes are always very chatty,” Woods said. “I have to constantly remind them to study, be responsible and do their work.”
Woods said she is proud of what her students have and will accomplish. Last year, her biology class had the highest average on the end of course test.
“That made me proud,” Woods said. “Watching them grow from ninth grade to seniors, getting into college, that’s what keeps me going.”
Roll said she has felt Woods’ support during her first year of high school.
“She holds us to high standards, but she’s also incredibly encouraging,” Roll said. “She wants us to succeed not just academically, but as people.”
After 20 years of teaching, Woods is looking forward to her next goals. When she retires, she hopes to mentor teachers and offer them guidance on teaching.
“I want to help other teachers grow,” Woods said. “I also really want to continue my passion for teaching because it makes me feel amazing seeing how I am making an impact on other people.”
She also hopes more teachers are recognized for their care and role in guiding students into adulthood.
“Teachers are the foundation for every career,” Woods said. “Yet, we’re not recognized, and I want people to know that they make an impact.”
Woods believes the most important lessons of teaching are patience and finding fulfillment in one’s own work.
“Don’t go into it looking for ‘thank you’s” Woods said. “Because you’re not going to get them, you have to be able to understand how students think.”
Defalcis said Woods’ makes a positive influence on her students.
“Ms. Woods left a lasting impact on me,” Defalcis said. “She taught me more than science; she taught me how to be a better person.”
