Liddell ready to greet students in person at CHS

By Inesha Jackson

Summer is officially over, and class is back in session! Canton High School’s 2020-2021 teacher of the year, Mrs. Aleatrice Liddell, says she is excited to see students return to school on August 9. 

“I am looking forward to building relationships and making connections with my students in person,” Liddell said. After a long year of virtual learning, the Canton Public School District (CPSD) is planning to reopen its doors. 

According to the CPSD’s Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and the Continuity of Service guide, students will be provided a safety net in the form of small group instruction, individualized tutoring, extended learning time, and an instructional pace that will catch students up where needed and accelerate them to grade level or beyond grade level mastery. 
“I expect a smooth transition back into the classroom and for students to perform to the best of their abilities,” Liddell said. 

Mrs. Liddell has been teaching history at Canton High School since 2011, and each year, her students have high success rates on state tests, especially in Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History. 

“I am proud of my AP U.S. History students, who achieved passing scores on the APUSH exam during live sessions. Virtual instruction looked different, but I still held them to higher expectations,” Liddell said. All AP U.S. History students passed 100 percent with a 3 or 4, despite having to learn virtually. Because of her students’ success, Liddell was named Canton High School’s teacher of the year and plans to take students to the next level this upcoming school year. “Canton High School immediately transferred to an online platform, and we utilized new resources that I will certainly incorporate into my lessons during the upcoming school year to enhance instruction,” Liddell said. 

To prepare for this upcoming school year, Mrs. Liddell is attending professional development sessions and reevaluating instructional materials and planning lessons that are engaging to students while also adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. According to CPSD, in any event that in-person instruction is interrupted by COVID-19, teaching and learning will continue. If multiple students are exposed to the virus, pre-recorded mini-lessons and assignments will be posted online. Liddell explains that CPSD has thoroughly prepared for the return of students by implementing mask mandates, desk shields, temperature checks, sanitation stations, and social distancing guidelines. 

“Canton Public School District is committed to keeping students, teachers, and staff safe. Students will need to remain patient as we implement new policies, but we are committed to their safety and look forward to their return,” Liddell added.