After 36 years at Langley, World History teacher Ms. Brigitte Lavey has decided to retire at the end of this year. Saxon Scope reporter Na He Jeon sat down with Ms. Lavey to discuss her journey and experiences in Saxon Country.
Q: How and when did you get to teach at Langley?
A: I had taught in Fairfax County from 1968 and 1970, but since I had two sons in a row I took five years off. After that, on Sept. 24, 1975, which happened to be my birthday, I had an interview at Langley–I actually had never heard its name before–and got to teach English and History. So I’ve been teaching 36 years at Langley, which is more than half of my life.
Q: What subjects have you taught?
A: It’s mostly English and History. I’ve taught freshman, sophomore and senior English, and I have taught American and World History, as well as Russian, British and European History–which were elective courses before. I’ve also taught Psychology, and actually didn’t know anything about it, so I made my first semester students do projects, from which I could learn.
Q: Any favorite memories?
A: Ha, lot’s of them! This is a hilarious story. In Russian History class, there was this boy who never said a word. But when I was lecturing on Stalin, he was actually raising his hand. I was so excited because I thought he was enjoying my lecture. But when I called on him, he said, “Mrs. Lavey, your lipstick matches your dress today.” In another occasion, when I was teaching in the oldest trailer in Fairfax County, which looked as if it had gone through World War II, there were these countless announcements and their volume was overwhelming. So I was annoyed by that, but after lunch, the room was suddenly quiet! It turned out that one of my students had disconnected the speaker, which was illegal.
Q: I heard that you have your own students in the Langley faculty.
A: Yes, bunch a of them. Ms. Robb’s sister was my student, and so was Ms. Momenian. At first, [when we were both working at Langley] she wasn’t used to calling me Brigitte; she kept calling me Mrs. Lavey. But now, we are really colleagues.
Q: How and when did you start History Honor Society?
A: I actually founded it nine to 10 years ago. I founded it because I love history and our school didn’t have the HHS. It was absolutely awesome and I wanted to do something special.
Q: You were the Fairfax County Teacher of the Year last year.
A: Yes. Parents, students and colleagues nominated me for the FCTY [Fairfax County teacher of the year] representing Langley High. Actually, this was my third time being nominated, second time going to the finals, but first time actually winning it.
Q: Do you have any specific plans after retirement?
A: First, I’m going on a trip with my husband to Turkey, Black Sea, Ukraine and the Greek islands. I am also interested in volunteer groups for different types of people. I’m also thinking of taking courses in art and photography. Also, I’m planning to learn Spanish. My grandchildren are excited about my retirement; they expect me to come take care of them. My retirement will be a whole new chapter in my life. It will allow me to focus more on my family, interests of mine and volunteer jobs.
Q: What will you miss about teaching?
A: When I teach, I truly get to know the students, and I care about them in two ways: first, I care about their academic advance and second, I cherish them as young men and women struggling with themselves. I think that’s what’s critical, even if he/she struggles with the subject. I enjoy the finding of real jewelry in students as they grow over time. That’s what has been keeping me going for 36 years, and what I’ll miss the most after retirement. I hope that the students all really cherish that they’re in Langley, where lots of experiences and opportunities are available for them. It’s an incredible experience to spend your high school life in here, so don’t waste it.
