by Isaiah Guzman

The classroom is filled with conversations about strategy, business, and the future as business teacher Laura Solomon pushes her students to think beyond the walls of JHS.

For Solomon, teaching is more than simply giving students information. Her goal is to show them how what they learn in class can be applied to their futures.

“I have a passion for what I’m trying to teach, and I hope that my students can see that passion,” said Solomon. “I can connect these topics to the real world, and I hope that helps you guys understand what we’re doing.”

Solomon teaches marketing fundamentals, strategic marketing, and finance and investments, as well as classes and programs connected to the Centra Credit Union and the Devil’s Den. Through these courses, she gives students opportunities to explore the business world while developing skills they can use after high school.

Her connection to JHS is also an important part of why she enjoys teaching. 

“I think I have a pretty decent relationship with Jeff as a whole.” she said. “There is a community here because you can see students’ desire to be a Red Devil and what that means to them.” 

Solomon said JHS gives students opportunities, especially through programs such as the academy system.

“This school gives you a foundation and helps you build on your future,” she said.

Inside the classroom, Solomon describes herself as straightforward. She sets high expectations for her students but tries to make sure those expectations remain achievable.

“I try to set high expectations so the students are pushing themselves to be better, but not so high that they can’t do it and feel defeated,” she said. “I feel as if students don’t have enough expectations for themselves.”

She also holds her students to the same standards she would hold her own children to.

“I wouldn’t expect anything out of them that I don’t expect out of my own children,” said Solomon.

Junior Braelynn Leavell experiences those expectations firsthand. She said the class challenges her while preparing her for the future.

“It teaches me a lot about strategy and how I can apply these skills in the future,” Leavell said. “I feel as if this class is preparing me for the future.”

Leavell chose the class because she believes the skills she learns can help her achieve her goals in the real world.

“I feel like this class would help me build my business and improve my skills in the business world,” she said.

The challenging environment is something Leavell appreciates.

“I have high confidence and expectations for myself, and this class helps me challenge that,” she said. “My brain is always running in this class.”

For Solomon, keeping students engaged starts with helping them understand why the information matters.

“I think engagement is increased when the students can see the relevance in what they’re learning and why they’re learning it,” she said. “I show how these things can be helpful in the real world.”

Senior Darryl Cordova, another student in Solomon’s class, said that connection to the business world is one of the reasons he enjoys being there.

“I like this class,” Cordova said. “This is where I go to focus on the business world.”

Like Leavell, Cordova chose the class because of how he believes it will help him after graduation.

“I want a good-paying job in the future, and I think this class prepares you for that and more,” he said.

While the work can be challenging, Cordova said the class gives students opportunities to actively interact with what they are learning.

“I’m pretty confident in this class,” Cordova said. “I feel like the work isn’t stressful when you actually get to interact in a class.”

However, Solomon’s impact reaches beyond marketing and business. Both students described lessons they have learned from her that go beyond the curriculum.

“Mrs. Solomon has taught me that the real-life world isn’t scary,” Leavell said. “You just have to be willing and open-minded to it.”

Cordova said Solomon has helped him think differently about his own future and the effort he puts into achieving his goals.

“She taught me that I can either do the bare minimum for credit or do the most for my future,” he said.

Students also believe Solomon’s honesty is what separates her from other teachers. Leavell described her as realistic and willing to listen to different perspectives.

“Mrs. Solomon is real,” Leavell said. “She’s realistic. She’s able to take all opinions into consideration, and she makes points on all sides.”

Cordova shared a similar perspective.

“Mrs. Solomon is a great teacher, and she’s willing to be honest and real and raw,” he said.

Solomon’s honesty and high expectations come from her desire to help students become successful. Even when she disagrees or “bumps heads” with a student, she continues trying to build a relationship with them.

“I like being around you guys,” Solomon said. “The students I even bump heads with, I try to build relationships with and reach them. Sometimes I can’t, but I don’t stop trying.”

Before returning to education, Solomon worked in the business world. However, she eventually chose to come back to teaching because mentoring students was what she truly enjoyed.

“I left the business world to come back to teaching because this is what I enjoy,” she said. “I enjoy being a mentor and hearing from my students after they’ve graduated so I can see how they’re using my class in life after school.”

For Solomon, the lessons taught in her classroom are meant to last far beyond a grade or graduation. Through real-world experiences, high expectations and honesty, she hopes her students leave her classroom prepared not only for the business world, but for whatever future they choose to build.