Winder-Barrow High School, home of the “gg” Bulldoggs, is known for the ‘extra effort’ its staff puts into everything they do. Lindsey Goss, a literature teacher, is no exception to this rule. She is a hard-working, dedicated, student-focused educator who goes above and beyond for WBHS students.
After receiving her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Kennesaw State University, Ms. Goss began her career at WBHS in the literature department. She has spent the last five years pouring her heart and soul into her students. She believes teaching students goes beyond the prescribed curriculum and is passionate about getting to know each student. Ms. Goss intentionally focuses on building relationships, “While I certainly agree teaching English Language Arts is crucial for building skills required for success in life, I more so see my subject area as one of the many vehicles by which I help students.”
While Ms. Goss relishes pouring her knowledge and talents into academically successful students, she truly excels and gives the “extra gg effort” for at-risk and struggling students. Conducting herself with integrity and professionalism in every situation, she collaborates with students, parents, and colleagues, and together they form a plan to get students caught up when they fall behind. Communication begins early in the semester by looping parents into student progress and trying to learn more about the student beyond what can be seen in the classroom. She creates individualized standards-based remediation to meet the students where they are, and avoids only utilizing one prescribed methodology. To Ms. Goss, one size certainly does not fit all. When a student needs one-on-one attention, she will seek out times to make this happen during or after the school day. When students are apathetic, she pushes harder to motivate them and realize their potential. Current senior and grad-track student, Kyrisma, says, “Ms. Goss really tries to get to know her students. She is very kind and she has such a big heart. She is one of the best teachers ever!” These characteristics make her a phenomenal educator, a fantastic role model, and a tireless advocate for all students at WBHS.
Ms. Goss holds kids to high standards, rigorous engagement, and builds positive relationships that touch their lives both inside and outside the classroom. When asked why she became an educator, she stated, “As an educator, I know I positively changed the lives of many of my former students. I have given many the tools they need to pull themselves out of their current lived experience, I have kept a few from going to prison, I have pulled one out of addiction, I have helped one after being knocked unconscious, I have helped a handful deal with the trauma of living through sexual assault, and I have sent hundreds to college and/or a stable career.”
Ms. Goss truly cares about her students both academically and emotionally, and this lends to the success of the school as a whole.
We are proud of our students who are on the “Grad Track.” A Grad Track student has either failed one or more academic classes and/or is behind in credits needed for graduation with their cohort class. Graduation Specialists at all three Barrow County School System (BCSS) high schools support students who meet these qualifications.