Faculty Focus: Augusta Glendenning Webb '98

 

A. In college, I studied Art and Religion, initially believing that I would become an art therapist. I realized that I wanted to study art in college because of an internship program I was a part of my junior and senior year at GPS. I was paired up with a local art therapist in Chattanooga, Cam Busch. I was drawn to the idea of using creativity to heal and express emotions, but over time, I realized that teaching is a form of therapy in its own right. Teaching Biblical Ethics has been incredibly rewarding because it allows me to challenge students to think critically about their beliefs and the moral frameworks they live by. It's an important class because it encourages thoughtful reflection and dialogue, helping students understand the deeper reasons behind their values and how they navigate complex ethical decisions.

A. My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating an environment where students feel a sense of relief and safety as soon as they walk through the doors of my classroom. Whether they're in my middle school art class, the ceramic studio, or a Biblical Ethics class, I want them to know that there are spaces where they can leave their worries behind. I want my classroom to be a welcoming place where they will be challenged, but also a place they will be heard, seen, and known. When students feel these things, they perform at higher levels and are open to trying new things. 

A. Not everyone gets to wake up and go to a job they are excited about. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to teach these amazing students and be surrounded by such an encouraging and supportive staff. I had the privilege to start working at GPS the same year as Megan Cover, our Head of School. I have been able to experience, along with her and because of her, some of the best years GPS has ever had. The future is bright for GPS, and I am so thankful to get to be a part of it and see it shine and thrive. 

A. The Peaceful Place could be seen as just a room or a space, but it is so much more to many GPS students; it assures them in a visible way that the school values student voices. Two years ago, when Megan offered a place to facilitate student discussions about things that matter, it was the perfect location. The girls who choose to come want to encourage each other to see how they can help their school be a place of peace and love. It’s a quiet, restful stopping place for upper school students during free periods, and it’s alive every Tuesday during lunchtime with thoughtful conversations, both middle and upper school, and planning. Their favorite ideas so far are monthly lunchtime interviews with individual teachers and wellness days where students are welcomed for healthy snacks, encouraging notes and thinking questions, and even a day of yoga classes for relaxation. Once the girls cooked a cultural meal and led a discussion of the traditions of their unique families. The conversations that are held in the Peaceful Place may not be quantifiable, but they are certainly important. 

A. To say my family loves GPS and bleeds blue is an understatement. My grandmother graduated from GPS in 1938, my mother in 1963, and my sisters and me in ’88, ’95, and ’98, respectively. My grandmother later worked in GPS development and admissions for 10 years, and my sister Weesie taught English and Bible and led the Outdoor Leadership program for a decade. Now three of my four daughters are here. Ruthie is a junior, Mary Mae is a freshman, and Finney is a seventh-grader. Every day I get to see how GPS is shaping them, supporting them, and encouraging them to be kind and thoughtful, while also getting to see them discover their passions. 

A. This is the start of my fourth year here at GPS. I am excited to continue to make connections with girls and to have the opportunity to inspire and encourage them along their many paths. I am specifically looking forward to getting to watch my niece Mabry Cook in her senior year and all the many traditions that come with it, Chapel Talk, Cat-Rat, May Day, and more.