Merari Mortera Tucker, a passionate teacher who teaches Spanish, has deep aspirations in education. Inspired by her time at the Boys and Girls Club in Chattanooga, she recognizes the critical needs for safe spaces for students, especially teenagers. This realization shaped her teaching philosophy aiming to create a classroom environment where students feel secure and supported; much like a home. After taking a year-long break to welcome a new baby, Mrs. Tucker is thrilled to return to the classroom, and eager to reconnect with students and fellow teachers.
Mrs. Tucker’s teaching style is student-centered, prioritizing engagement and learning memorization. She hopes to teach her students appreciation for diverse cultures, believing that understanding different perspectives can be both beautiful and enriching. “I want to make sure that my goal is not necessarily for them to just pass a test, but to learn something within the class; to learn how beautiful it is to know something outside of your own culture,” said Mrs. Tucker.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Tucker enjoys quality time with her family, exploring nature through hiking, and expressing her creativity through drawing. She traveled to Spain and Machu Picchu, experiences that fuel her passion for learning and cultural understanding.
With high expectations for her students, Mrs. Tucker encouraged them to give their best effort, recognizing that “best” can vary from student to student. She takes pride in her well-behaved and hard-working classes who are thriving despite having no prior experience with the language.
For Mrs. Tucker, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is the interaction with students in the classroom and creating an environment of growth, learning, and mutual respect. Mrs. Tucker’s dedication not only enriches her students’ learning experiences, but also creates a classroom environment that students look forward to each day.
Mrs. Tucker’s passion for teaching is evident in every lesson, every interaction, and every moment she spends shaping young minds. As she continues her journey as a new Heritage High School teacher, Mrs. Tucker remains committed to creating a space where students feel valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Her impact on the lives of Heritage’s students will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
