As the school year and my time at Cherokee comes to an end, I wanted to dedicate a spotlight article to a teacher that has made mine and many other students’ high school experiences brighter.
Rachel Sheldon has been teaching Environmental Science for 11 years. After graduating from the University of Georgia, she began her teaching career in Tennessee. She started here at CHS in 2022, spreading her uplifting optimism and enthusiasm about all things Earthly to everyone she comes in contact with.
Mrs. Sheldon has always had a passion for nature. She spends most of her time outside of school enjoying the outdoors with her husband and kids—and of course, their dogs.
After having several conversations about school and life with Mrs. Sheldon, I know that her favorite part of teaching is watching students make connections with their lives and what she is teaching. The “Aha!” moments, as she calls them. Mrs. Sheldon didn’t always want to be a teacher, she told me. Growing up, she always wanted to be a veterinarian. Her love for teaching started at UGA when her professor offered her a chance to talk to a high school class about nature and science.
You may think you have a set path, but sometimes things change. That’s okay. I wouldn’t want to change what I have right now for anything.
Mrs. Sheldon
My favorite thing about Mrs. Sheldon is her refusal to let anything get her down. Teachers are constantly surrounded by people—teenagers, at that. Everyone’s problems become their own, compiling in their lives on top of their own struggles. It is a lot to handle, yet I’ve never seen Mrs. Sheldon let her smile crack under pressure.
I love Mrs. Sheldon’s class because she creates a warm and welcoming environment that makes me more excited to learn. She’s taught me so much this year not just about science, but also about life.
Senior Ellie Matthews, APES student
Her presence is a constant reminder to be grateful for life’s blessings, instead of focusing on whatever is getting you down. She has a saying: “everything is gonna be okay.” Sure, anyone can say that—but Mrs. Sheldon always means it. That is what makes her such an amazing teacher and person; her dedication to seeing the best in every student, and the light in every situation. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Sheldon!
