2017 Alumni Jordan Hale as a current Special Ed teacher
Jordan Hale (‘17) is a Special Ed Teacher and artist in Asheville, NC.
Hale chose to teach because seeing the growth in students who need extra support inspires her.
“I think the growth my students make and watching them learn is the coolest part about my job,” she said.
Hale said the daily challenges that teachers face, such as dealing with difficult behavior and building and maintaining relationships with kids takes a toll on her mental health. She thinks it’s important to maintain a professional relationship with her students.
She misses Durham but plans to stay in Asheville.
“I have considered moving back to Durham,” she said, “but it also feels great to be away from home, while still being close enough to visit. “
Hale hopes current Riverside students remember that high school is a phase, but they should never stop learning.
“I wish I had known that I can truly do whatever I want in life,” she said. “High school, while it seems like a huge and intimidating time in life, is a small stepping stone toward true adulthood.”
She advises students to remember the memories and the people that made Riverside a time to look back on fondly.
“I was in chorus all throughout my time at Riverside and chorus is absolutely my biggest memory that I hold from high school,” Hale said.
