A prior public librarian, English teacher Ms. Meagan McLendon brings her passion for all things books and literature to Westwood as she joins the English department in her third year of teaching. 

“I was a public librarian, which I loved,” Ms. McLendon said. “[But] I’ve always been interested in education.”

Following her career as a public librarian, Ms. McLendon hoped to divert her interests to a different location, aiming to become a school librarian; but soon, she learned that due to Texas law, she would have to be a teacher for two years before accomplishing her goal. Discovering her passion for education in the process, Ms. McLendon notes happily that she has found her place within the English department.

“I thought I would go the school librarian route,” Ms. McLendon said. “But I fell in love with teaching in the process so I think I’m going to stick with it for a while.”

Seeing students happy and eager to learn something new sparked Ms. McLendon’s interest in staying in a teaching position. She’s eager for the opportunities that the new school year will bring.

“I think watching things click for the first time is a really special moment as a teacher,” Ms. McLendon said. “This is a really special job. I love it.”

A former English teacher at Vandegrift High School, Ms. McLendon reminisces on her past there, but looks to the future with a positive lens. Though missing Vandegrift, she is excited to explore the various facets of her new position here at Westwood. She aims to make students feel welcomed and safe within her classroom.

“[Vandegrift] is an incredible place,” Ms. McLendon said. “But Westwood [is] also a very special place. I was told Westwood feels very similar, and a [good] position was [offered] here, so [I’m] happy to be here.”

Although Ms. McLendon draws certain similarities amongst the Vandegrift and Westwood English departments, she also notes how both departments are different in their own ways, and how she’s eager to investigate her new surroundings.

“I will say the teachers at Westwood have so much experience,” Ms. McLendon said. “I worked with a lot of new teachers at Vandegrift, which was really fun. At Westwood I have several people that I can go to and ask for help.”

Appreciative of the resources available to her, Ms. McLendon is grateful for the valuable, experienced advice she has received from her new colleagues.

“There’s a lot of tips and resources that I have,” Ms. McLendon said. “I’m happy to be here. This is a great place.”