North Atlanta hasn’t always been the city’s biggest high school. North Atlanta hasn’t always been 11 stories. And North Atlanta hasn’t always been at 4111 Northside Parkway. There have been so many changes in the course of its “modern chapter” but are there any teachers who’ve been here for the long haul who have seen all the changes? Getting the perspectives of these long-time Dub veteran teachers can give a fascinating perspective on North Atlanta High School in the “old days.”
In the early 2000s, North Atlanta’s “modern chapter” began, accompanied by many changes in academics and technology integration. Veteran teachers remember the challenges and triumphs of adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape. Mr. Maury, who has taught French and Spanish here at North Atlanta for over 22 years, has been a cornerstone of the North Atlanta community. As technology reshaped the classroom, Maury adapted but not without some challenges. His teaching career and North Atlanta began in an era where textbooks and chalkboards were the norm, so integrating digital tools wasn’t always easy. “I am the oldest teacher at North Atlanta, and when I got here, I was comfortable with using a pen and paper,” said Maury. “Now I am faced with all the challenges that come with AI and all this technology.”
Along with Mr. Maury is his next-door neighbor, Señor Williams. The two have accompanied each other on the 10th floor of our upper-class section for nearly a decade following the school’s change in buildings. Williams, who has taught here for around 20 years, has seen North Atlanta transform, both physically and in the student body itself. He’s noticed the change in students’ behaviors and learning habits, especially post-COVID when online learning altered how they engage in classrooms. “Before the pandemic, not only students but everyone had more energy, enthusiasm, and much more. Today it’s the total opposite,” said Williams.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, former math teacher and current instructional coach, Sarah Burns has also been working at North Atlanta for 16 years. Despite the main changes she has encountered throughout the years such as, North Atlants shifting from a Title One school to a diverse environment. Although many of the students and faculty that she has come to love over the years have come and gone, she is grateful for every person that she has interacted with while being part of the North Atlanta community. From each Freshman student that she has had the joy of teaching, to every higher-up in the North Atlanta chain, Burns has never taken anyone for granted. “I enjoy being a part of such a great team of educators and have met such great people and students along the way,” said Burns.
The experiences of veteran teachers highlight the evolution of North Atlanta High School. As they navigate the changes coming with modern education and adapt to the shifting dynamics, they remain committed to fostering a supportive learning environment. Their insight reminds us that while our school has undergone significant changes from its building to student engagement, the constant is the dedication that comes with being a Dub.
