On a campus she describes as at a higher caliber than other high schools, the newest Raider World Literature teacher, Mayra Busse, has quickly become a meaningful presence in the community. After years of teaching both high school and college-level English, she decided to transition to the Upper School this year—a move she describes as both unexpected and transformative.
“I took a chance. I really didn’t think anything would come of it,” Busse said. “And then all these doors opened up for me. I was thrilled.”
Although the change meant leaving behind students she was bonded with, she knew the opportunity represented growth.
“I was ready for that change. You get stuck in something comfortable and predictable… and that’s not a good thing. It’s good to take chances, to learn new things,” Busse said.
From her first day, the English department made her feel supported. She credits the Department’s flexibility and openness as one of the reasons she had adjusted so well.
“What I love about Gulliver is they give teachers the ability to choose what books they want to teach and how they’re going to teach them,” Busse said.
Her love of literature began in childhood, when books were one of the few sources of entertainment available to her. That early curiosity grew into the belief she now carries into her classroom: reading expands the world. She hopes to pass her passion on to her students.
“People who read a lot are so highly educated because it opens their curiosity…leads them to know about different things,” Busse said.
Before joining the Upper School, she taught the ENC 1101 and 1102 courses at Miami Dade College. The experience influenced her approach to teaching high schoolers. She believes high school should prepare students for the independence required in higher education—and in life.
When asked why literature matters in today’s world, she didn’t hesitate. In a society where constant influence prevails, she considers independent thinking essential. She also views literature as a means of fostering empathy.
“Literature teaches you how to think critically… how to form your own ideas. You’re not being fed information—you’re discovering it for yourself. If you allow other people to think for you, that’s a very dangerous thing,” she said.
Above all, she wants her students to understand the lifelong importance of reading. She hopes that students leave her classroom not only with skills but with a broader view of humanity.
“Hopefully you [students] leave here loving the world a little bit more, understanding people a little bit more, and embracing the fact that our differences bring us together,” Busse said.
