Mrs. Tarpley – Passion, History, and Hands-On Learning

Mrs. Tish Tarpley has been a dedicated educator at The Village School of Naples since 2006, bringing her passion for history and love of teaching to the classroom. With a background in Public Relations from the University of Georgia, her path to teaching began in high school when she taught a 6th-grade Spanish class. Over the years, Mrs. Tarpley has worn many hats, from substitute teaching while running her own catering and event business to training employees as an entrepreneur. However, it was her decision to enroll her daughter at The Village School that led her to pursue teaching full-time.

Now, Mrs. Tarpley teaches History and Social Studies in the Middle School, subjects that have always fascinated her. “I’ve always loved history and been captivated by historical events,” she shares. Her enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, and she aims to make history come alive for her students through a hands-on approach to learning.

Mrs. Tarpley’s teaching philosophy revolves around getting to know each student as an individual. “If I get to know what makes each child tick, then they will become engaged in whatever we are learning,” she explains. She believes in giving students the freedom to choose topics that interest them within the time period they are studying. Projects are a big part of her classroom, where students dive deep into their chosen topic, become experts, and share their knowledge with their peers. This fosters engagement and encourages a deeper understanding of the material.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Tarpley has been an active member of the TVS community for nearly two decades. She has participated as both a parent and a teacher, helping with special events, fundraisers, and reaching out to local Naples groups to create partnerships with the school. Additionally, she has hosted the American Girl Doll Club after school for many years, allowing students to explore history through the lens of their favorite characters. Mrs. Tarpley has also served on the Faculty Evaluation Compensation and Benefits Committee and is currently involved in planning for the school’s 25th anniversary.

Mrs. Tarpley enjoys reading, entertaining, and traveling when she's not in the classroom—interests that often influence her teaching. Her passion for creating memorable experiences has even led her to organize away trips for students over the years, providing them with opportunities to see history come to life. 

“My previous career has made my learning experiences even better, as I love to create an ambiance for a time period, which is reflected in many of our hands-on learning experiences."

Notable experiential learning events that Mrs. Tarpley orchestrates at TVS include Frontier Day and Colonial Towne Market Days, offering students an immersive journey into the past. During these days, students don period-specific costumes, bringing to life the significant events and daily life of each era. Using authentic-looking props, they transform into explorers, pioneers, merchants, and craftsmen, while showcasing the technologies, innovations, and cultural practices that defined these historical periods. These hands-on experiences allow students to engage deeply with history, making it memorable and relevant.

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for Mrs. Tarpley is her lasting impact on her students. “I have had many students return to visit, and I just love it! We know we’ve made a difference when they come back from college and want to see their old middle school teacher,” she reflects. Her approach to student success goes beyond academic performance. She believes that students who are kind, helpful, and content will go far in life, and she celebrates those qualities every day.

As a teacher, Mrs. Tarpley aims to instill strong organizational skills in her students, knowing they will help them navigate life as challenges grow more complex. “Organizational skills, if based on a good foundation, will only help as life and studies get harder,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of setting students up for success.

Looking to the future of education, Mrs. Tarpley is excited about the possibilities that virtual teaching offers, especially for those who lack access to education. However, her experience teaching through the COVID-19 pandemic has cemented her belief in the value of one-on-one human connection. “I was able to teach my kids every day and helped them feel connected. Some days, we just talked,” she recalls, appreciating the importance of a supportive and nurturing educational environment.

As she continues to grow as a teacher, Mrs. Tarpley says, “I hope to keep being excited to share new learning and new experiences with future students,” eager to continue making history come alive for the next generation.

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