This year Westminster welcomes Rachel House, one of the two new learning strategists to the middle school faculty.

House graduated from DePaul University with her undergraduate degree and the University of Illinois with her master’s. She previously taught a variety of subjects while working in Chicago, New York City, and Charlotte. House also worked at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta as a children’s advocate for patients regarding education and support.

House chose the path of becoming a learning strategist out of her love for understanding how different students’ brains function and helping them discover different approaches to learning. “I think I have a passion for the unique learning profiles and needs of students, and I  want to be able to develop strategies and suggestions to help students feel successful and maximize their capacity for learning and success,” she says.

In order to guarantee the success of a student, House believes that it is essential to hear what a student thinks will benefit themselves. “[It is important] to listen,” she says. “I think it’s so important to hear students, and not just hear with a desire to respond but to hear with the desire to understand them. So not just supporting based on what I think but supporting a joint effort.”

So far, House is thoroughly enjoying Westminster. She loves the sense of unity and support our community provides, “[I like] the community feel, people being supportive, [the] students, and the kindness of people.” As a new faculty member, she also believes that Westminster is a place where she can thrive, “I just feel like it’s a beautiful place to use gifts but also grow and learn even as an educator,” she says.

Throughout House’s time at Westminster, she wants students to know that they are valued and loved. “[They should know] that they are loved, supported, and can be authentic,” she says. “They can show up authentically and still find support, love, and encouragement at Westminster.”

In her free time, House enjoys being active outdoors. “I love hiking working out, boxing, and fitness.” She is also fond of trying new vegan restaurants around Atlanta. She loves journaling and writing because of her ability to connect with feelings and surroundings.