Sometimes, the path from high school to one’s career makes unusual turns. Born and raised in Manchester Township, New Jersey, FCHS Geometry and Algebra teacher Rachael Newsom had a few part-time jobs growing up.
“I worked as a cashier at Stop and Shop, worked at Subway, and was a camp counselor [during the summer],” she said. She mentioned that these jobs had some benefits to her life now. For example, working as a cashier and at Subway helped her learn to solve problems, like trouble-shooting if coupons were not working or if prices were incorrect. Also, she noted, “working as a camp counselor helped me to see I loved working with kids.”
Newsom attended Liberty University and received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics along with a teaching license. She noted that she has always loved math, so when she started college she started looking at a few different career options.
“After my first year of college, my heart landed on teaching. I love helping people, teaching and watching students be successful. Now I get to spend every day doing what I love,” Newsom said.
Teaching can be a demanding, challenging job, but Newsom enjoys the impact she has on her students. “[I like] being able to have a positive impact on students’ lives. I know I am teaching math and hope my students feel prepared moving onto other math classes, but I also hope my students know how much I care about them,” she said. Newsom also enjoys seeing some of her old students stop by and say hello. “That makes it all worth it,” she added.
Newsom did not start teaching in Fluvanna. She taught in Orange County for two years and Bedford County for four. “I have been teaching in Fluvanna going on five years now and I love it here,” she added.
She currently lives with her husband, Alan, their dog named Gravy, and their three kids, Aiden (an eighth grader), three-year-old Owen, and two-year-old Charlotte.
Outside of teaching, Newsom enjoys spending time with her family, going to parks and beaches [usually, Island Beach State Park], and on walks, as well as playing games together. “I love making memories with my kids,” she said. Her favorite memory with her kids is when they all go to the lake here in Fluvanna. “I make sand castles with my daughter while my two sons go swimming together or throw a football around. I love when they are able to be outside while playing and being happy,” said Newsom.
Although Newsom has traveled in the past, moving from New Jersey to Virginia, she has a bucket list of places she would love to visit. “I would love to go to Key West,” she said. “I love the beach and Key West seems like the most tropical place in the U.S,” she added.
Newsom said she would like to share a piece of advice with students. “Enjoy the time you have here at FCHS. It is so cliché, but the years fly by. Take advantage of the opportunities you have and get involved by joining a club, taking a new class, playing a sport, or going to a dance. When you graduate, you don’t have those same experiences open to you, so join them while you can,” she said.
