Teacher of the Week: Emmanuel Ross

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) – When it comes to being a teacher, the work doesn’t stop once you leave the classroom. It’s something Whiteville High School’s Emmanuel Ross knows all too well.

Mr. Ross is the marching band, concert band, jazz band, chorus, color guard and general music teacher. He’s also the golf coach and Interact Club sponsor.

His students say they don’t know how he does it.

For Mr. Ross, however, it’s not just a job.

“It runs in the family,” he said. “I’m a band director. My brother is a band director. My sister was in the color guard and played the clarinet. We’ve all just been very musical.”

It’s also more than a hobby or fun subject to teach.

”In today’s age we always talk about STEM and academic subjects. Music really gives an outlet for students to express themselves, it gives them an outlet for them to be successful that has nothing to do with the academic classroom,” he said.

Mr. Ross says his favorite part about teaching is giving students access to places and things they might not otherwise experience.

He also wants his kids to know that if you work hard, you’ll get what you want.