Dramatic soliloquies and heartfelt confessions filled Room 001 as students of Meg Battey’s English 9 class rehearsed performance scenes from “Romeo and Juliet.” She watched in enjoyment, filled with pride as her students did their best to recreate the iconic Shakespearean play.
Although Battey has been an English teacher at the school since 2000, her journey stretches far beyond the last 25 years here. From marine biology to Renaissance literature to law, Battey explored several paths before deciding on teaching in her 20s.
Raised in a family of educators, Battey initially thought she would become a marine biologist. That was one reason she enrolled at the University of California, Santa Cruz after graduating from high school to join its distinguished marine biology program; but after taking a few classes, Battey found that it was a field she didn’t want to pursue.
“My parents were wonderful because they said, ‘This is your opportunity to study what you want.’ And so I started taking English classes,” Battey said.
As she explored English, Battey was fascinated by medieval literature and aimed to become a professor devoted to studying Renaissance literature. During her junior year of college, Battey spenttook a year abroad studying at the University of Birmingham in England — where she was able to work with the actors and directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Battey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in literature.
Following her time in England, Battey returned to Santa Cruz still unsure of her career pathway; she dabbled in law by working as an assistant for a group of lawyers, but eliminated the field as a long-term pursuit after three months. It was then Battey first decided to try high school teaching.
Still trying to pay off her student loans and with her long-term substitute teacher contract coming to an end, Battey did not want to wait until July for the local Santa Cruz school district to hire her, so she took the initiative to search for a job at a Santa Clara County job fair.
There, she met the principal of Saratoga High at the time, Kevin Skelly, who introduced the school to her. Battey quickly applied for the job and was hired as an English teacher in 2000. As a first-year teacher, Battey taught English 9 and 10. Although Battey lacked experience, she was mentored and guided by the advice of her fellow teachers.
“I feel like I grew up at Saratoga very much like our students grew. There’s only so much you can learn about teaching in a classroom, you really have to just do it and develop your craft,” Battey said.
In the 25 years since, Battey has taught English 9, 10, 11, and Strategic Learning. She currently teaches English 9, English 11 and Strategic Learning.
Despite the challenge of living one hour away in Capitola, Battey continues to teach at the school because of her love for the positive school environment.
During her time at the school, Battey has gained much experience in supporting students and developing her own teaching style.
“I never thought I’d be here for my entire career, but my colleagues are incredible, and the students are incredible,” Battey said.
