Hoover Teacher Becomes U.S. Citizen After Long Process

HOOVER, AL - Not all talk of immigration has to be politically polarizing, as showcased in the story of a Bumpus Middle School teacher who just finished becoming a U.S. citizen. After an 18-month process, 8th grade history teacher Rachael Jostsons officially obtained her citizenship in September of this year.

Born in Bristol, England, Jostsons moved to Nov Scotia, Canada, when she was nine years old, and was raised there. "Then, 6 years later, my parents brought me to this great country. I attended high school in Illinois, began college at the University of Alabama, and received my degree in Secondary Education from Wesley College in Delaware," she said. "I later completed my Master's Degree at the University of the Cumberlands. Along the way, I was blessed to find my amazing husband, Eric, six lovely daughters, and incredible life-long friends."

Jostsons has been at at Bumpus for three years, teaching World History. "I pinch myself every day I walk through the doors," she said. "I work with such an amazing faculty and staff, and I'm honored to teach our students at such a crucial stage in their lives."

Jostons took the oath of citizenship September 21 in a ceremony in Montgomery. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Photo via Hoover City Schools