Out of the many new faces introduced at Fauquier High School (FHS) this year, April Poland brings an enthusiastic atmosphere to her classroom and the stage as the newly hired theater director. Poland encourages her students’ unique ideas and applies them to the classroom.
Poland is an eccentric Theatre Arts and English teacher. Even though this is Poland’s first year teaching at FHS, she came to school with a baggage of experience. Poland is heavily influenced by her involvement in theatre. While traveling around Virginia and participating in various forms of performance, Poland was continually persuaded to start teaching. She explained, “When I directed…or…acted in a show, that particular theatre would reach out to me and say, ‘Hey we think you’d be a good teacher, do you want to teach some classes?’”
Among Poland’s many roles, teaching part-time at Liberty High School (LHS) stands out. It was Poland’s first position teaching at the high school level, and it left a mark on her heart. Poland’s favorite memory was watching a student discover himself through spoken art. “It was one of those magical moments where you just realize [their connection] was meant to be… and [Poland’s student] did so well.”
Poland has shown an exuberant love for teaching through the support of her students. When LHS had a sudden opening in their theatre department, Poland not only stepped up but wrote an entire play in one weekend, making a spring production possible. “I went home that weekend and wrote a play… called ‘Shakespeare 101,’” she stated enthusiastically. This experience shaped Poland’s teaching and created a more impactful meaning of teaching theatre.
Whether it be writing, hiking or acting, Poland is always finding joy in active hobbies. Poland expressed her interest in nature, saying, ”I love to hike… I spent a couple of weeks hiking in Acadia National Park this [summer].”
Poland has already affected many lives at different schools before her time here at FHS, and FHS students and staff are excited to see what else Poland has to offer.
