“ NEVER SAY never.” If you had asked nurse education teacher Deana Crosslin 21 years ago if she would end up being a teacher, she would have simply told you, “No way.”
Four years as a school nurse were just a dip in the educational pool. Diving headfirst into dissecting complex medical terms for teenagers felt like crossing into a parallel universe. Trading in Band-Aids and sniffles for complex dissections and fascinating young minds was a homecoming to a passion she never knew existed.
“This is my fifth year as a teacher in the classroom, and I love it. I absolutely love my job. I get to teach students who are, as seniors, most likely going into the health care field of some sort. I also get to teach students who want to take anatomy and physiology.”
In her days spent working in the coronary care and intensive care units, Crosslin always considered herself an educator of sorts, especially when dealing with patients in their most stressful times.
Crosslin said talking to people was never a problem as a nurse, but teaching the content in a classroom posed a challenge. Years later, she realized that all her years of educating those within the medical field led her to where she is today.
Crosslin’s teaching journey comes with many lessons, one of which is to simply meet students where they are. Recognizing the diversity among Coffee County Central High School’s students, Crosslin adapts her classroom to different walks of life, educational backgrounds, and cultures. She understands the impact of creating a trusting and welcoming environment on their growth and development.
Being a school nurse for four years and a mother of three opened her eyes to the uniqueness of each student, helping her tailor her styles of engagement with their needs and differences.
In teaching her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class, Crosslin takes the high school education experience to new heights, providing students with clinical experience. The experience includes traveling to local long-term care facilities and partnering with Unity Medical Center for real-world exposure, fostering community relationships beyond the hospital walls.
“We also have health care in general that needs work. It’s not just at a hospital, and health care is run by not just nurses. We’ve got radiology and respiratory, and we have laboratory technicians. We have all these people who make a facility work, and we need to expose our students to all of that.”
Crosslin’s commitment goes beyond the traditional curriculum. She secured a grant for a classroom dissection, emphasizing the importance of exposing students to various facets of health care and the ever-changing world of technology.
Crosslin aims to change students’ perspectives on education, encouraging them to view it as an opportunity rather than a mundane obligation. She emphasizes the priceless value of education, urging students to see it as an investment in their future.
A significant part of Crosslin’s approach is building trust and being someone students can depend on. Treating every CNA student as her own child, she blends care with guidance, recognizing the importance of being transparent and honest with them.
“I think just being able to work with others — get out of your comfort zone, collaborate, and observe — that’s really helpful, and it’ll make you a better teacher in the long run.”
Crosslin is constantly growing and evolving as an educator, finding innovative ways to engage students outside the classroom. She brings in former graduates, such as a sophomore in college, to share experiences, validating the importance of post-secondary education.
On the mission to become more inclusive, Coffee County Central High School strives to make every student feel seen and heard. Crosslin’s dedication is mirrored by the entire Coffee County and Manchester community, contributing to a special environment within and beyond the school walls.
Crosslin admits that teaching is challenging, but it’s a challenge she embraces. She wishes for more time with her students and adapts to the block schedule, finding ways to engage them beyond class hours. Her commitment extends to collaborating with local businesses and organizations to provide students with opportunities outside the school building.
In Crosslin’s classroom, education is not confined to textbooks; it’s an evolving journey of discovery and growth. This journey, inspired by her years as a nurse, has led her to a place where she’s not just teaching students; she’s shaping future health care professionals and community leaders. GN
