Host: Dr. John Hendron
Guest: Faith Gonder,
Educators Rising

In this episode, we meet Faith Gonder, a senior from Perry High School in Massillon, Ohio, and one of Educators Rising’s national officers. Faith shares how her community, career-tech education program, and inspiring teachers shaped her journey toward becoming an educator.

Highlights

  • Community & School Life – Faith describes growing up in Massillon and the support system that makes her school and town special.
  • Career-Tech Pathway – How Perry High School’s education career program, offered in partnership with surrounding schools, gave her a clear direction toward teaching.
  • Choosing Education – Faith opens up about her early struggles with school, the teacher who changed her outlook, and how that experience inspired her to pursue a teaching career.
  • Leadership & Service – From quiet student to national officer, Faith reflects on what leadership really means: dedication, service, and helping others realize their potential.
  • Future Goals – Faith plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in just two years, become dual-certified in social studies and language arts, and ultimately teach speech and debate at the high school level.
  • Advice to Students – She encourages peers to connect with teachers, join or start an Educators Rising chapter, and pursue education as a powerful, fulfilling career path.

Key Quote

“The biggest impact you can ever have on somebody’s life is helping them realize their own potential. That’s my main goal as a leader and future educator.”Faith Gonder

Learn More

Interested in starting an Educators Rising chapter at your school? Visit educatorsrising.org.