Zach Towery

A Teach in the Peach Ambassador

Zach is a husband, father, and band director in Toccoa, Georgia. He has taught his entire 15-year career in rural, Title I, single-high school districts and worked with band programs across the state of Georgia.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering teaching?

The teaching profession offers some incredibly fulfilling moments, with no lack of interesting situations and challenging problems. Dedicating yourself to educating others is a noble calling, one that requires quite a bit of effort and energy. There is hard work plenty, but the payoff is incomparable.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to new teachers?

The opposite of success is not failure, but apathy. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things, but engage in constant self-reflection and self-assessment as move through your career in education.

Why do you choose to stay in education?

It always comes back to the students. In the moments where I’ve considered walking away from teaching, my mind returns to my students and the impact my program has had in their lives. Band provided some many opportunities for me in high school and college, and I want to make sure that my students get the same opportunities.

Why did you choose to teach in an (urban, rural, small, large, etc.) school system?

My student teaching placement was in a rural setting (as opposed to the suburban setting I requested), and I fell in love with the way that band can have a huge impact in a small community. Ever since then, I have sought to teach in smaller communities and school systems.

Is there any other information you would like to share?

Please feel free to reach out with any questions about the teaching profession. I love sharing stories and working to make the education profession better for everyone.

Please share your preparation pathway (traditional, para to teacher, apprenticeship, residency, GaTAPP, out of state, etc.)

Traditional

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Zach Towery

A Teach in the Peach Ambassador

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