Señora Susan Holbrook, a Spanish teacher, has taught for 25 years and has been employed at CHHS for six of those. Holbrook recently announced that she’s ready to take the next step in her career. Faculty and students are happy for her, but there is one huge downside to her moving on. Holbrook will no longer be working here at Central; she’s going to a new school in Louisville. Though it is uncertain when she’s going to make her departure, she does have two prospects that could take her position.

“I love it here, I love teaching,” she said.“I’m just at a point where I’m ready to take the next step professionally.”

Holbrook said that she desired to be an assistant principal, but she got a job as an academic instructional coach (AIC) at Meyzeek Middle School. The responsibilities are similar to that of an assistant principal, but she gets to work strictly with teachers and helps them [the teachers] with assisting students.

Holbrook had taken classes to be an assistant superintendent 11 years ago. Unfortunately, she became incredibly sick and was forced to stop. She saw this as a sign to slow down for her kids and her health. Not only this, but COVID put a roadblock in her progress because of the teacher shortage; she is unable to move on until there is a new employee to take her place. It was only recently in July, that she took the initiative to pursue the job and acquired her EDS (Education Specialist Degree) for administration. It took her a year and a half to get the degree and it was last summer that she passed her principal’s test. 

Since she has stayed in the teaching profession for so long, she has loved her experiences and has a passion for helping young students. That does not mean her job does not have its downfalls. One of the things that she dislikes the most about teaching is not being able to motivate students. She said, “the hardest part of teaching is seeing students struggle.” 

“I can vividly remember the first time I could not motivate a kid to do anything– and that tore me up.” Holbrook said. “It made me sad because he was so tuned out and there were a lot of things going on.”

She’s been through her share of hardships, with herself and her students, and that urged her to be an advocate for herself and other people. 

In the same context, Holbrook expressed that she’d miss her students the most. This situation is considered extremely bittersweet because though she’s gotten the job she has worked for, she has to leave the same students she’s formed such strong bonds with. Her favorite memories have been with her students: from fashion shows to potlucks and teaching children with her passion for Spanish. People who have had her as a teacher showed the same sadness upon finding out that Holbrook was going to leave.

“It made me so sad,” senior Jayln Hall said, “but if it makes her happy, then I’ll support her.”

Hall’s classmate repeated these ideas. 

“I mean, I’m upset but I mean if that’s what she really wants to do, then it’s her life,” senior Landon Perry said. “I’ve had her [for] years before this, so she’s also talked about how she’s wanted to move up. So, I’m happy that she’s doing what she wants to do and not staying stagnant.”

Senior Justin Dupin agreed with him. 

“I’m with Landon. If that’s what she wants to do then she’ll proceed to do it.”

As far as Holbrook’s coworkers, she confirmed that they’re supportive and happy for her. Of course, there are sad faces, but they’ve been very encouraging. She’s been open about what her next steps are going to be, so the staff understands.

Luckily, Holbrook said if she were to ever retire, she would definitely consider doing substitute teacher work in either Spanish or Science. She said she couldn’t see herself doing anything else. Whatever Holbrook does though, she can rest easy knowing that Central is behind her every step of the way.