Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
2017-18 is Kiera Vargas’ first year teaching at Madison County High School (MCHS), but she has been teaching since 2004. Currently, she is teaching 11th grade English and reading.
Vargas holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations; a Master of Science in English Education; a Juris Doctor (law degree), and she will complete her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) in December.
Vargas has taught in k-12 classrooms for four years. At another time, she worked at the college level as a full-time lecturer for seven years. At different times during her career, Vargas served as an adjunct lecturer for several years. As if that was not an impressive enough professional profile, she has also served as a GED instructor, and a variety of other educational capacities within the educational system.
Divine intervention is what led Vargas to a teaching career. “I always wanted to be a dentist. I was planning to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) when I was offered my first teaching job,” explained Vargas.
“It was amazing, and I have never desired to do anything except teach and assist with the plight of our educational system. I am a true believer that students can conquer; and with the help of educators teaching them to believe in themselves, they will achieve,” she continued.
In response to the question, “What is the best part of being a teacher?” Vargas was tremendously clear; “Everything. The good, the bad, the ugly; I just enjoy it all.”
Vargas added “I want my students to remember that dreams will always come true with hard work and tenacity (if you are) following your heart.”
Vargas feels her students have taught her more than she has taught them. Through them, she learns about various music artists, anime authors and illustrators, etc. She feels she constantly learns from them, and what she learns makes her a better teacher. “… because I listen to them to help me help them,” concluded Vargas.
Vargas’ husband, Juan, is currently stationed in Landstul, Germany, and he is a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army. He has been in the army for 23 years. In addition, Vargas has a son, Anthony, who is a freshman at Madison County High School.
In her free time, Vargas enjoys reading the Readers’ Digest, teaching, traveling, listening to music, giving presentations and taking long walks.
