The Spartan Times

After years in the beauty industry, Brittany Eaton has become more than a teacher to her students, creating connections and memories that last beyond the classroom.

By Emma Riche

SANFORD, Maine – When students first enter the cosmetology program at Sanford regional technical center (SRTC), they come to learn about hair, beauty, and the skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry. But after spending two years in the program, students often leave with more than cosmetology skills. The Cosmetology teacher for the tech center, Brittany Eaton, known as Miss Eaton to her students, has helped create an environment where students can grow, learn and build lasting relationships.

Eaton has worked in the cosmetology industry since 2003 and began teaching in cosmetology in 2005. Before coming to SRTC she taught at a private post secondary school and was a director of education at a beauty school.

Over the years Eaton has learned that teaching cosmetology involves more than showing students how to color and cut hair. It also means getting to know students as individuals and helping them work together.

When Eaton thinks back to the beginning of her current two year class she remembers a much quieter group of students. “You were all very quiet, and you all didn’t know each other very well, and now I can’t keep you all quiet.”The change reflects how much the glass has grown comfortable with one another over the past two years. For Eaton, building those connections is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching.

“It’s not just about hair, she said “It’s about working with each other, figuring out each other’s personalities, and we grow close very quickly.” Those relationships are also what make the end of the year so bittersweet. Although Eaton said it has not fully hit her yet that her current class will be graduating soon, she reconditioned how quickly students and teachers grew close

For second year student Mackenzie Fallon, that connection is part of what makes Eaton different from other teachers. mackenzie describes Eaton as someone who can keep students engaged while making the classroom feel welcoming. “She can really pull us in and grab our attention and relate to us a lot more than other teachers can’’ Mackenzie said.

Eaton’s energetic and playful personality helps make learning enjoyable without taking away from the importance of the lessons.  Mackenizie explained that her teacher manages to balance both sides of the classroom experience.

The energy has become a familiar part of students’ everyday routine. When asked what would you miss most about Miss Eaton, Makenzie recalled the little things that make her teacher recognizable including the way everyone in class can hear her call out in the hallway and be silly, and when she’s walking and you hear her coming from her keys jingling.

Beyond the humor and the energy, Mackenzie also sees a compassionate side to her teacher. She describes Eaton as funny, compassionate and is someone students can talk to when they need support.

The relationships Eaton builds with students also come with lessons that extend beyond the cosmetology classroom. As her current second year students prepare to move on, she hopes they remember the importance of treating others with kindness and respect , even when they do not always get along. “Be kind to one another, and even if you don’t like somebody, you still need to be able to work professionally with them,” Eaton said.

It is a lesson that applies not only to working in a salon but also to everyday life. In the beauty industry, professionals must communicate with clients and coworkers, making respect and professionalism important parts of success.

Although students may remember the hair techniques they learned throughout the program, the relationship and experiences they share along the way is just as meaningful. Eaton’s personality outside the classroom is just as light hearted as her students describe. When asked to share something about herself she offered a simple response “I think I’m pretty cool, and i love my cat.”

As the school year continues, Eaton’s second-year students move closer to graduation and the next chapter of their lives. While the thought of saying goodbye has not fully sunk in for Eaton, the connections formed over two years have already made the experience meaningful.

For students like Mackenzie, Eaton has helped make cosmetology about more than learning a trade. Through her humor, energy, and compassion, she has created a classroom where students can develop their skills, discover their strengths, and build relationships they will remember long after leaving SRTC.