Playful, entertaining, and absolutely informative, our Get to Know series allows the personalities of the faculty and staff who make up the Darlington Community shine.
Tara Inman joined Darlington's student life team in 2002 and was named dean of students for global education in 2016. She teaches English 1 and also leads the IMPACT Team and "Y" Cabinet. Previously, she held the roles of director of ESL, spiritual life coordinator and head of house. Tara holds a B.A. and an M.A.T., both from Carson-Newman College.
Let's get to know Tara!
Where did you grow up?
Right here in Rome, Ga.!
Tell us a little about your family...
My husband Brian (an Upper School history teacher) and I live on campus with their children, Maggie ('19), Davis ('23), Wesley ('23) and Harrison ('26). We also have a very lazy Basset Hound.
Why did you choose Darlington?
You might think I chose it because it was in my hometown, but I'd say we loved it so much when we came for our interviews that we chose to come here in spite of the fact that it was in my hometown. After living abroad for two years and then in the Chicago area for four years, we were ready to move back to the south to be closer to family, but coming back to my hometown and teaching at the school that everyone loved to hate when I was in high school was not really what I had in mind. However, everything about Darlington felt right from the moment we stepped onto campus. Things fell into place quickly after that. I love that life at Darlington has given us the familiarity of being in my hometown, while also providing a really unique growing up experience for my kids.
What makes a good teacher?
Infinite patience.
The ability to remember that it's not about you, it's about the student.
Adaptability.
A heart for working with whatever age group you teach.
A sense of humor.
Humility.
Finally, just like a good student, grit and the willingness to ask for help when needed.
What music is playing in your car?
Whatever musical Maggie is currently into most of the time. Otherwise, usually NPR.
Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?
Mrs. Janet Morris, 3rd grade at North Heights Elementary. She made every student feel known and cared for, and she noticed things, like who was having a bad day or who never had anyone to play with on the playground, and she did something about it. She was our biggest cheerleader and yet still commanded our respect. Remembering sitting in her classroom still gives me a sense of peace and safety, and I think those two things are prerequisites for a healthy learning environment.
My favorite movie is…
“Father of the Bride.” I can quote almost the whole thing.
What makes a good student?
Grit and a willingness to ask for help when needed.
My favorite trip was…
Hmmmm. That's hard because I have been on some good ones! I think Bali was probably my favorite though. It's a beautiful and unique place.
If I could travel anywhere it would be…
That's also hard because I want to go everywhere. But right at this moment, I'd say somewhere tropical where I could stay in one of those huts over the water and read books all day.
E-book or hardcover?
E-book
Beach or mountains?
Beach
Four people I’d like to take to coffee…
My great-grandmother on my paternal grandmother's side. She had seven children, and my older family members are always quoting things she said, such as "the days are long but the years are short" (truth) and when someone wasn't treating you right, she'd say "you just need to give him/her a darn good letting alone" (also truth). I'd like to soak up some of her wisdom!
LM Montgomery (author of ”Anne of Green Gables”)
Brené Brown
Myself about 30 years ago. I'd like to tell her some things that could save her some trouble.
My hobby is…
If I'm not working and not with my family, I try to prioritize spending time with friends. Friendship is what helps you hold life together when things are hard, so I think it's important to invest yourself in creating and maintaining meaningful friendships.
My hobby is…
If I'm not working and not with my family, I try to prioritize spending time with friends. Friendship is what helps you hold life together when things are hard, so I think it's important to invest yourself in creating and maintaining meaningful friendships.
Cats or dogs?
I like both but we have a dog now.
Only my friends know I…
Gosh, I'm not telling that. Whatever it is, there's probably a reason that only my friends know it!
When I want to crush karaoke, my song is…
I prefer to do a duet with my husband. Our signature song is "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart" by Elton John and Kiki Dee.
My favorite saying is…
Don't borrow trouble. (It's my favorite mainly because I have to tell myself this a lot.)
What I like most about Darlington is…
I love many things about Darlington, so for me choose one, it comes down to asking myself what makes me excited to get up in the morning and come to work, and that is and always has been the students. Yes, I know that all schools have students, but I think the particular collection we have here is the best. We’ve been here for 16 years running, so at this point, I think it's safe to say that it's true.
