new faculty: Emily mountcastle

Before new English teacher Emily Mountcastle had children, she worked part time as a SAT verbal instructor. Now she’s back full time.
“I wanted to teach at North Cross because I love to teach,” Mountcastle said, “and I knew it would be a great environment of engaged students and caring faculty.” 
Mountcastle went to Patrick Henry High School and then James Madison University where she was an English Major and received a Master’s in Education. 
“I was a pretty good student, social and engaged,” she said. “I liked my teachers and worked hard in my classes.” 
Mountcastle taught at Patrick Henry High School for five years and she also worked with students at Roanoke Catholic and Crystal pring Elementary. 
“I have wanted to be a high school English teacher since I was little,” she said, “as I always looked up to my grandmother, who was a high school English teacher as well.” 
Veronica Weston ’26 appreciates Mountcastle.
“I think Mrs. Mountcastle’s style of teaching is relaxed, but in a way where I am able to learn a lot,” Weston said. “The class has been interesting so far and she is a great English teacher. She makes the learning fun with projects and videos included in her classes. My favorite thing we have done in her class so far were the group presentations on The Crucible. These presentations really took a deep dive into the background and making of The Crucible.” 
Justin Jones ‘26 agrees.
“I really enjoyed The Crucible project, and I think that her class is really exciting, fun, 
and enjoyable.” 
Lastly, when asked what she does in her free time Mountcaslte says:
“I like to run, bike, or go to yoga. I also love to cook and bake. You can usually find me at the park with my kids though!”
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