Ms. Andrews has been teaching in Akron Public Schools for 18 years and at AEHCS for 15 years. She started at AECHS during the second year of the program and had the first group of 10th graders ever at AEC.
Ms. Andrews said that she originally didn't plan on going into education. She actually planned on majoring in sports sciences and sports medicine. When she applied to Youngstown State University she looked into their sport’s sciences program a little more and realized it wasn't what she wanted. She ended up switching to education because she knew she wanted to work with students and she wanted to still be involved in sports. She said that she had some amazing people in her life that also chose education and coaching/sports. Ms. Andrews said, “My dad, ‘Deputy Dave’ was a huge role model for me, he was able to combine being a Deputy Sheriff with education as he was a D.A.R.E teacher and was always in schools as well as a member of the board of education in Coventry. My second reason was my high school softball coach, Tina Norris. I had a special connection with her where she made sure I was not only successful on the field but also in the classroom. We are still friends to this day. I appreciated her knowledge and wisdom about education and life and the drive and work ethic that I saw in her. I knew I wanted to have that drive and work ethic as well.”
Ms. Andrews says that her arrival to AEC wasn't a conventional one. She was a newer teacher and had already been at 2 different schools, one that just closed (CHHS) and then added to another building with not a lot of support. She was working hard but struggling to find her place. She said that her principal at the time suggested that she should apply as it might be a better fit. She said she applied, interviewed, and then got offered a position. She said that she was pretty sure her words to the HR lady was " are you sure you are offering this to the right person?" She said “I was as shocked as anyone to learn I was about to be part of this new school. I was excited and nervous.” She also said “I am glad that I did because I honestly think I found my place here and I am able to be the best version of my teacher self.”
Ms. Andrews said that she thinks the best part of AEC is the ability to see kids grow. “Watching them enter AEC as baby freshmen to watching them walk the stage as Seniors is one of the best parts of this school. Being able to watch not only their accomplishments but to watch them rise in the face of adversity or failure as well makes me very proud. I think as they end their high school career they can look back and say that at least one of us had a profound impact on them and they will be able to carry that with them for the rest of their lives.”
Ms. Andrews has many fond memories of AECHS. “One of them will always be the class competitions, and another is helping out our families and kids that need things and how we come together as a staff to support them, that always makes me proud to work here.”
Ms. Andrews would like to say thank you to the parents for allowing their students to work and study out of their comfort zones. She says that she knows it is hard not being in a typical traditional school, but the things they will learn here in 4 years will give them that foundation of responsibility and resiliency that the more traditional students wouldn't have.” Ms. Andrew’s also said “Also, thank you for being supportive and knowing that we as a staff really care about your students. Students, thank you for trusting me. I know that you can sometimes question what and why I do but I promise it all has a meaning. Some of you might find it before others, but know that I do everything I do so that you can be successful, not just in science, but also as you journey through the rest of your life and school career!”
Following are staff and student comments about Ms. Andrews.
“Miss Andrews takes the teaching profession to a different level. She has shown me new ways to learn and adapt to new criteria thrown at me. She takes time out of her own day to reach out with support to ensure my success. I'm proud to say she's the reason I'm still in this program because no matter how badly I wanted to quit she did everything she could to keep me motivated and able to power through. With the help and guidance she's given me, I've been able to become the best version of myself I've seen.”
Aiden McClaine
Junior
Ms.Andrews overall has one of the greatest influences as a teacher on me! She makes biology ten times easier than other teachers would, she gives us a field to explore how we can learn in our own ways and she can definitely make you laugh even if it’s one of your bad days! I am truly grateful to have her as my biology teacher!
Kayson Leasure
Sophomore
Ms. Andrews is always willing to help students in need. She loves to help students organize and is very creative (you should see my new door sign!!)
Mrs. Berger
School Counselor
Mrs. Andrews is the kind of teacher that expects excellence from her students, and knows they are capable of more than they think they are. She pushes students to do their best so that they are prepared to step into a college class the following year. Students love her sharp wit, her strong preferences, and sarcastic laugh.
Mr. Scott
Academy Coach
Lisa M Andrews is the sophomore Biology Teacher and tech wizard, google master… and so much more. Lisa is a great professional and a great friend. I have known her for a long time and beneath that rough exterior is a big heart. She cares about her students and she loves AEC.
Wendy Keaton
Instructional Coach
Ms. Andrews is passionate about her content and she conveys this to her students. She works very hard to prepare her students for what they will see in a college class and she is very successful at what she does.
Mr. O’Neil
Principal
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