In this interview, she talks about the greatest challenge she faces,
how parents can help their children do well in school, and how "life is way
too serious way too soon and it's my job as a teacher of young children to
make school and learning as much fun as I can possibly make it." And how
does she measure her success as a teacher? "You can measure your success
by looking at how you treat your most 'un-lovely' student (for example: the
one who comes to school dirty, misses school often due to lice,
etc.)"
Why did you decide to be a
teacher?
My aunt planted the idea in me when I was about 8 years old.
Interestingly enough, I believed her "You would be great working with kids."
and I NEVER considered another career.
What challenges do you face each day in the
classroom?
Dealing with overprotective parents--since I have 1st grade I have
a ton of those! Parents who just aren't ready to hear that their child could
possibly have a problem
Kids who have difficulty learning--perhaps due to problems at home
or learning difficulties, especially true nowadays due to "least restrictive
environment" placing kids with emotional problems, severe learning abilities,
etc. in the regular education setting
Unbelievable energy level, creativity that teachers have to have
now--class sizes are big, hands on learning means more work for me
What types of classroom behavior do you encounter
each day? How do you cope with children who are behavioral
problems?
Kids who are ADD/ADHD or perhaps have ODD (oppositional defiant
disorder); these kids have to have a specialized discipline plan with
rules/rewards/consequences and FREQUENT communication with parents
Other regular ed kids have problems too--sitting still, concentrating,
not tattling, keeping their hands & feet to themselves, etc....all typical
problems and nothing major but lots of petty stuff can keep you from teaching
and children from learning!
I use a proactive discipline system with lots of rewards to accentuate
appropriate behavior. I also use a "stoplight" system where every child starts
the day out of "green" and moves to "yellow" or "red" when rules are
broken.
Those who stay green all day get rewards; others lose recess
time.
What lesson plans have you created that you
are especially proud of?
Many thematic units that I developed through grants I received.
Examples:
*S pace unit--Attended a class at the Air Force Academy & then
developed a month long unit for multiaged groupings of 6-9 year
old.
* Life cycles unit--developed a month long thematic unit linked
to the theory of multiple intelligences that culminates with an evening of
activities for parents to share with their children, each activity centers
around one of the multiple intelligences. Parents also get a packet of
information explaining the theory & how teachers provide learning
opportunities geared toward multiple intelligences & the various ways
that children learn.
I also developed a "Math-at-Home" program for 1st graders and their
parents using a grant. These 30 Kits were a TON and a half of work to design,
develop and assemble. Many are original ideas of mine. My parents and 1st
graders love them! I have been told I should market my ideas and I am very
proud of this program especially. There is no earth shattering math activity
in the Kits, just everyday hands on learning for parents to share with their
children, often linking math with other subject areas, especially
literature.
How do you keep the students interested and
excited about learning?
Perhaps my own energy level and enthusiasm for teaching is the biggest
key! I am constantly looking for ways to bring learning alive to my children
by relating it to their world and their interests, etc. I love my job, and
I think both my students & their parents know that by just being in our
classroom.
Is dealing with administrators difficult?
If so, how?
I have a wonderful principal, so it's never difficult with her. However,
there are so many things I want to do and there is NEVER enough $$$ or time
to do it all! That gets frustrating! Especially if it's something I want
RIGHT NOW and I have to hear that there just isn't the $ to do it.
What has being a teacher taught
you?
A good response would fill volumes. I have more than 20 years experience,
the last 16 of that in 1st grade. Perhaps the most important lesson I have
learned is that life is way too serious way too soon and it's my job as a
teacher of young children to make school and learning as much fun as I can
possibly make it.
Tell us about the moments when you feel like,
'this is really worth it. This is why I'm a teacher.'
Ah, that's an easy one! When I see the light come on in children's
eyes! That's what I adore about first grade...this happens when they learn
to read.
They get so excited and are so proud of their accomplishment of
learning to read. They glow! Their parents think you are just awesome because
you've taught their little one to read so quickly!
These are the days I call my "paycheck days!"
There is no feeling in life quite like the rush I get from seeing
this happen for children. And then, in addition to that, it's all happens
again on the last day of school.
You feel the bonds between you and your kids and you and their parents.
You just don't want to let go and neither do they. It makes every sacrifice
worthwhile.
What changes would you like to see in the
teaching profession in the next few years?
Smaller class sizes, aides for every classroom
What advice do you have for parents who want
to help their children do better in school?
A: Read to your child at
home. Show an interest in school by coming to conferences, stopping by to
visit and attending special activities at school. Take time to let me get
to know you. I can do a better job of knowing, understanding and consequently,
teaching your child when I get to know you.
Call me as soon as you have a question or think there is a problem.
Tell me what the problem is, don't call your friends and tell them! They
can't do anything about it! Tell me!!!!
Send me a positive note or a thank you once in awhile. Let me know
that you liked the Christmas gift I had your child make for you. Let me know
that you appreciate my efforts. Just say "thank you." It will keep me working
even harder!!!
Did you ever suffer from burn-out? How do
you prevent and cope with burn-out?
Yes!!! It happens because we care too much and work too hard. Preventing
it...work a few less hours! Don't spend every weekend at school! Take on
a few less extra projects! Learn that "no" can be in your vocabulary when
it comes to the "extras!" Go to bed earlier!
A tired teacher can't possibly have the patience he/she needs! Use
that summer break to truly get away from it! At least for part of the summer,
stay out of your classroom!
Are you glad you became a
teacher?
Absolutely, unquestionably,
emphatically YES! YES! YES! I would choose this field if I had it to do all
over again. And, I have a little saying that goes along with it, "Those who
can...teach. Those who can't...go into some other less significant line of
work!" I am doing the most important job in the world. No other profession
could hold a candle next to the important jobs that teachers do every single
day!
What advice do you have for those who are
considering a career in teaching? How can they be successful as a
teacher?
Think long and hard about the commitment it takes to be a dedicated
teacher. If you don't love children, then find something else. If you are
looking for an 8 to 4 or 5 job with summers off, forget it! Plan to spend
a nice hunk of your paycheck on things for your kids and your
classroom.
You'll be a success if you love your children, are willing to give
10,000% and expect very little in return. You can measure your success by
looking at how you treat your most "un-lovely" student (for example: the
one who comes to school dirty, misses school often due to lice, etc.) Be
open to new ideas and a different way of doing things, but don't join the
bandwagon every time a new idea floats by!
What makes you a success as a
teacher?
When you look up at the door of your classroom after school and see
a former students walking in to say "hi"...when you check your e-mail and
see a note from a kid you taught years ago more than a thousand miles from
where you live now...when parents request you as their child's teacher especially
if you taught older siblings...when you get those little hugs or love letters
from your students...when some little one says, "Mrs. B., you sure do make
it easier to read with all this stuff you teach us!" |
