Despite filling crucial and imperative roles in all of society, teachers can often be undervalued, judged harshly, and held accountable for problems beyond their control. It is not a job for the weak. For those with a genuine passion for teaching, however, the rewards and results of the profession completely overshadow the downsides. Ms. Georgiou, one of Fort Hamilton’s newest English teachers, is one of these individuals.
Ms. Georgiou graduated from Fort Hamilton in 2020; after graduating, she began her college semester by majoring in biology, later switching to education. Her reluctance to study education stemmed from the stigma around teaching — such as the age-old canard, “Those who can’t do, teach.” But after reaching out to some old teachers of hers, she found the will and inspiration to follow the career path that she had initially wanted.
Her passion for teaching, specifically literature, began in her AP Language and AP Literature classes at Fort. Her teachers, Ms. Maratos and Mrs. Kritikos, with their immense passion and knowledge for literature and teaching, inspired her to follow the same profession. Three years later, she found herself back at Fort Hamilton doing exactly that.
Ms. Georgiou returned to Fort Hamilton because the teachers in the school actually care for their students, ensuring that the students’ education is a top priority, something that is unfortunately not as common in other schools. As a teacher, she believes that she “doesn’t stray away from the playbook.” Instead of making herself or her classes unique to others, she focuses on letting her students “shine.”
To Ms. Georgiou, having her students understand a concept or have their “aha” moment is her primary concern, for she ultimately wants them to witness how their hard work would get them to earn literary skills and knowledge. She believes that “literature is strongly connected to our childhood,” which is why she advocates for fostering creativity in children and encouraging them to reconnect with their younger selves.
Though new, Ms. Georgiou is already a valued and cherished member of the Fort Hamilton community. She upholds the highest standards of educational integrity and embodies a profound passion, love, and knowledge for her profession. Her current and future students are certainly fortunate to have her guide them in unlocking their potential; through her teaching, they will not only recognize, but also be inspired by, her enthusiasm for literature.
