Heather Nix is preparing to begin her 14th school year with Brownwood ISD and has seen her role evolve in the last decade-plus.
“I started out in the 2011-2012 school year as the BHS assistant librarian and then started the photography program there in the 2016-2017 school year,” said Nix, whose is now in charge of Photography, Graphic Design and Yearbook at Brownwood High School.
“Along with teaching Photography, Graphic Design, Video and being the Yearbook sponsor, the extracurricular part is the BHS Media Crew,” Nix said. “That happened organically. Mr. Nix and I would photograph games when I was the assistant librarian for fun. When we started the photography program, kids started coming with me to those events for experience and it took off from there. Last year, the BHS Media Crew photographed over 90 different events.”
Regarding her desire to become an educator, Nix said, “I wanted to share my passion with the students. The subjects I teach can be used in any industry a student chooses to pursue, and I love that students can apply those things in their future.”
As for how she got into the teaching field, Nix said, “I went to high school in a small town in Kansas and attended the University of Nebraska at Kearny for a year. I teach under District of Innovation, which allows local business-people to teach in their industry. I have had a photography business since 2007.”
Nix was inspired by teachers from her days as a student, and as an employee, when it comes to molding her style.
“My eighth grade English teacher, Mr. King, and my High School Choir teacher Ms. Doering were influences on me,” Nix said. “When I started out working in the library, several teachers for BISD inspired me to become a teacher. Mrs. McGhee and Mrs. Bonniman were influences at the time. I still walk into my classroom every period with a Mrs. Bonniman inspired ‘Good Morning Lovelies!’ Now, every teacher at BISD influences me in different ways and I learn so much from them.”
Regarding the most rewarding aspect on her job, Nix said, “The relationships with students. Seeing students using skills in real life that they learned in class or on the field with me is so very cool.”
Looking ahead to the future, Nix said, “The students, they’re the best part,” when asked what excites her most about the teaching industry.