To leave a lasting impression on both student and faculty members alike is to make an impact that goes beyond the confines of being a teacher. Rather than just teaching, you’re shaping someone into a capable individual, who has learned values and lessons that now extend beyond the classroom. To have Sherri Reed as your teacher means to undergo this exact experience.
Reed has taught at FWCD for 13 years and is retiring after the 2025-26 school year. As a biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, she is well versed in several similar subjects.
Biology is the introduction to the Upper School science curriculum for incoming freshmen. It entails complex studies and lessons, beginning with a micro step into the smaller building blocks of life, such as amino acids, organelles and protein synthesis.
Reed has developed a teaching approach that emphasizes connecting difficult information to real-life applications.
“For me, I think my teaching philosophy is to connect the classroom to bigger things,” Reed said. “Understanding science will help you better understand the world around you.”
Reed was initially inspired to become a teacher during high school, as science was her favorite subject. Due to her love for the subject, she took all the advanced courses in order to grow her understanding. At Tarleton State University, her interest drifted to physical therapy, but once she observed some classrooms, she knew that’s where she was meant to be.
“I decided to become a science teacher and it’d be the only discipline I’d ever teach,” Reed said.
She began her vocation in Springtown, Texas, teaching physical science to ninth graders. Following that primary stint of her career, Reed moved to Hawaii. She taught at an all-girls school on Oahu called La Pietra. This private school sat directly under the shadow of Oahu’s dormant volcano, Diamond Head. She then later decided to live on Maui, as she favored a less city-centered lifestyle.
Eventually, Reed moved back to the mainland as her father’s health was declining. She sought out work at many well respected establishments such as FWCD and Trinity Valley School. Reed was interviewed at FWCD the day before spring break, so naturally it was very chaotic. While sitting in TVS’s parking lot for another interview, Reed was notified she got the job at FWCD.
“My first choice was always here, rather than TVS, because of what I knew about this school. The environment itself – the trees and the running water outside – those are things that make you healthy and happy,” Reed said.
Many suppose teachers are always the ones dispersing knowledge and insight, but sometimes it’s the other way around. Reed spoke of how her students have taught her many lessons on compassion and kindness throughout the years.
“I’ve learned to be more understanding of my students. Sometimes you have to listen to those students who are struggling, and help them where they are,” Reed said.
When thinking back on some of her favorite memories, Reed reminisced on a hilarious and heartfelt story. At the beginning of her career, Reed was pregnant with her daughter. One day, late in her pregnancy, she began labor while teaching. Reed tasked one of her students, a boy named Tony Slate, to time her contractions. Understandably, Slate was nervous and confused as to what to do. Reed simply said, watch my face.
“Tony was always a prankster. One time he tied a fishing line to my rolling chair, and while teaching I would slowly move around. But he also made me a sweet flipbook that I still have today,” Reed said.
Last year, Slate got the honor to meet Reed’s now adult daughter.
“He’ll always be remembered for that. He’s a pretty memorable student, for sure,” Reed said.
When asked what her retirement plans are, Reed talked of continuing to attend the APES and Hawaii trips. She and her husband plan on going to the lake and enjoying their new boat together. She hopes to visit her mother twice a week and really savor her time with her family. Although, she has a little bit of housekeeping to do till she can truly begin her retirement.
“But before any of that, I’m throwing away all of my work clothes. I’m cleaning out my closet and getting rid of all of that,” Reed said.
One of Reed’s colleagues, Scarlett Sun, is taking over her position as APES teacher. Originally hired by Reed, Sun described her first impression of Reed, as her being extremely nice and welcoming.
Sun reflected on how Reed desires for each of her students to have equal opportunities to excel. No matter a student’s prior accomplishments or failures, she hopes to place them in the exact class that will allow them to grow.
“The science department and I will especially miss the levity she brings to conversations, and her funny comments,” Sun said. “I’ll definitely miss having her at our lunch table.”
Ninth grade biology student, Sarah Mitchell McMillan, described Reed’s class environment as fun and engaging
“Mrs. Reed always did a great job of explaining things, even stuff beyond our note slides,” McMillan said. “She always made really fun labs, too.”
Reed has left an indelible mark on her co-workers and especially her students. She has always strived for their success and well being ahead of her own.
“I want everyone I teach to be successful. I want them to be their own advocate in both school and life in general. If they don’t learn any science, I hope they learn that much,” Reed said.
Reed is the epitome of selflessness and dedication, instilling the same values into her students.
“I hope my students remember me as being the kind and compassionate person they taught me to be,” Reed said.
Reed’s legacy at FWCD will extend far beyond the classroom walls, and into the beautiful trips and adventures she has created for her students at Bamberger Ranch, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Hawaii.
