For Chelsey Lawson, a love of reading sparked a passion for teaching, and over the years, that passion has evolved into a deeper mission: helping students grow as individuals through the power of storytelling.

Lawson, a seventh-grade English teacher at Holland Patent Middle School, recalls how her enthusiasm for literature initially led her into education.

“I knew I wanted to share my love of literature with others and inspire students to see that books could have a lasting impact on their lives,” she said.

Thirteen years into her career, Lawson has come to see her role as more than just teaching reading and writing. “Stories are powerful,” she said. “Stories have the ability to shape beliefs, influence behavior, inspire change, and foster connections. Through reading, I hope I can help students learn how to be empathetic, compassionate, kind, and to understand and respect perspectives different from their own.”

One recent classroom moment reaffirmed her commitment to teaching. During a unit titled “What Keeps Me Walking?” which explores global water scarcity, a student expressed a feeling of helplessness after reading about a young Sudanese girl’s struggle to access clean water. The student told Lawson, “I understand we are supposed to feel bad for these people, I really do, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Lawson challenged him, asking, “What makes you think there’s nothing you can do?” The conversation served as a powerful reminder of her role in empowering students. “It is my job to guide students to feel empowered, see that they can ‘do something’ and make a difference in the lives of others, even as middle school students,” she said.

That mindset led to an impactful class project. As part of the “What Keeps Me Walking?” unit, Lawson’s students read “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park and participated in a “Water Walk” to experience firsthand the struggles faced by those without access to clean water. The students also wrote letters requesting donations and successfully raised $400 for Water for South Sudan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean water to communities in need.

Lawson has also embraced innovation in her teaching approach, transitioning from teacher-led instruction to student-led discussions and incorporating read-write-talk cycles to boost engagement. She believes that offering students choices and connecting lessons to real-world issues are key to keeping them motivated.

For those considering a career in education, Lawson offers this advice: “Take risks and try new things. Be adaptable and open to change. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, learn from your colleagues, and constantly reflect on your own teaching to improve.”

Through her dedication, Lawson continues to inspire her students — not only to love literature but to recognize their own power to make a difference.

This weekly series highlights exceptional educators and their contributions to our community. Each educator featured in this series has been named an Outstanding Educator by the Genesis Group in recognition of their dedication and impact in the classroom.

*Article published online by the Rome Sentinel on March 7, 2025.