English teachers surround our campus. Some dive into the symbolism of The Great Gatsby, some the societal reflection of The Lord of the Flies, others may reflect on the US Depression during Of Mice and Men, and others are simply one of your best friends. While some teachers may focus on getting you prepared for your upcoming AP test or understanding literary concepts, Mr. Fitch is able to accomplish all of these feats while putting a smile on your face at the same time. His underlying charming personality and excellence-only mindset create one of the most versatile classroom environments on campus. With a mix of daily humor, personal connection, and literature, Mr Fitch has become not only a teacher but a companion to many teachers, students, and staff.
Mr Fitch’s journey to teaching was not a straightforward path as any may expect. After a job in public relations and marketing, he believed he found his place. However, after the birth of his son, and Quartz Hill High School student Lucas Fitch, he made the switch. Around 2008, Mr Fitch decided to answer his prior callings to teaching. He stated, “I could be more myself than trying to do something for a company… I fell in love with it and never looked back.” Since the change, Mr. Fitch has shared his charming personality with students for the past 16 years, during which he worked for Eastside, Little Rock, and Quartz Hill. He made the transition to Quartz Hill 4 years ago when his son became a freshman and explained that out of all his years teaching, The Hill is his favorite home. He explained that the students and environment offer a more career and future-oriented program that he favored as opposed to his prior locations.
Outside of his background, one of Mr Fitch’s favorite aspects of teaching stems from simply seeing growth within his students and friends. Stemming from this as a senior teacher, he is constantly surrounded by the draining process of college applications. He explained that simply watching and helping the process of young adults striving and eventually reaching their goals is one of the most rewarding factors of being a teacher. Alongside this, he enjoys the growth of his underclassmen as they turn into true adults. Character development and maturity as the year progresses include students taking school and their future more seriously. Mr. Fitch strives and works to not only provide the best material and teach to the best of his ability but on his resume he strives to create more mature young adults.
One of the biggest challenges he faces is not with his students but rather battling with himself to strive for improvement. Mr. Fitch stated, “It’s about making the lessons as best as I can. It’s more about myself. It’s not about classroom management but about making sure you guys (students) really get a lot out of the class.” Not only challenging his students to become the best they can be but also pushing himself every day and night to provide for his students. In a brotherly and sisterly iron sharpens iron mindset, Mr Fitch has elevated his teaching abilities to be unmatched.
When asking Mr Fitch what his advice to students looking to succeed in life would be, he stated, “If you don’t accept failure as a part of your journey, you’ll never find success.” A poetic quote that captures not only the devotion of a teacher who gives his all to his career, family, friends, and students, but truly captures the Fitch mindset. A mindset fostered around making the people around you better by bettering yourself.
