Teacher spotlight: Getting to know Mrs. Brown

Mrs. Heather Brown is A.W. Beattie's Ad Design instructor for seniors. We asked a few questions to learn more about her, and we will feature another staff member next week.

What was your first job?

Barn hand (stacking hay, feeding horses and weed whacking). My first field-related job was working in the Advertising Department at Gateway Publications in the 1990’s.

Why did you become an Advertising Design teacher?

I took a similar course at another local career center when I was in high school and I fell in love with it. I never thought at the time that I would become a teacher, but both that program and the teacher had such a significant impact on my life and gave me such a positive attitude toward education that I wanted to try to recreate that with another group of students.

What do you enjoy most about the graphic design field?

I love working with creative people and making my clients’ ideas come alive. This field never gets boring, because there are different challenges and projects that come up all the time.

What do you feel is the key to teaching?

I think that a level of mutual respect is key to getting the most out of every student. I try to work with the students much like an employer will – I won’t sugar coat critiques, and I expect a lot from my class, but in the end they wind up with some killer pieces that boost their portfolios ahead of other high school students.

What can you be found doing when you’re not teaching?

I love to travel, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I have a young daughter, so I typically end up watching a lot of Nick Jr. My personal favorite TV show when I do get a chance to steal the remote, however, is watching re-runs of The Office.

What activities are at the top of your bucket list?

Travelling to Ireland, petting a manatee and meeting Tom Hanks.

What can you reveal that people might not expect about you?

Left to my own devices, I’m actually a fairly shy person who hates speaking in public or in front of people.