You may recognize Kassidy Hightower from last year as a long-term sub, but now she is starting her first year as an English teacher. Hightower graduated from Azle High School in 2017 and has now begun her wish to become a teacher.

“I really like having the ability to discuss things I’m passionate about,” Hightower said, “which is reading.”

Hightower always felt appreciated by her former teachers in Azle and wanted to show kids the same.

“I went kindergarten through high school in Azle, and especially my English teachers,” Hightower said. “I didn’t decide to become a teacher until my senior year of high school, I found that I really liked English discussions.”

Hightower said she has a clear vision of what she hopes to achieve in her first year.

“My goal is for all my students to have a 70% STAAR passing rate,” Hightower said.

She teaches Honors English 1 and on-level English 2.

“I definitely have to adjust my personality depending on the class period,” Hightower said. “I hope they know I care about them.”