School district: Wichita Public Schools
City/State: Wichita, KS
Class/content area taught: Second grade
What are you most excited about with your new career? I love that I get to come to “work” each day to explore topics, learn and influence my students! Every day is an adventure. I have loved every second of getting to know all 22 of my students diverse personalities, and how each of them has actually taught ME something every single day. This job gives you a purpose!
In what ways has your school/district supported you? I have an INCREDIBLE 2nd Grade team and school staff. I feel so supported and welcome, which just as for my students, makes a great environment. Whether it was financially, emotionally or with planning, my school has been helpful every step of the way for my first semester!
What are some specific things you believe KSU especially helped prepare you for your new career? The field experience I obtained from the KSU College of Ed was amazing. I truly feel like I was more prepared and comfortable in my own classroom because I had spent so much time in real, diverse and differentiated classrooms.
Are there specifics about your background that make teaching the perfect fit for you? I grew up loving opportunities with kids and just people in general and at the age of 9 I decided I wanted to be a teacher, I never looked back! I love working with others ( 4 of my 5 Strengthsquest strengths are relationship building!) and thrive in an environment where I get to do so, my personality matches well with my profession and I am so glad I recognized this early on and pursued this dream.
Suggestions/encouragement for new teachers:
- Never question yourself; Your portfolios and papers in college will be stressful, no doubt! But your classroom is out there waiting on you, and all of the work from college will teach you all the things you need to be on your own.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help; ALL teachers, those teaching for 25 years, 5 years or just a first year like me are facing the same craziness you are each day. They have a million things on their mind just like you, so chances are they may forget to remind you of the playground rules or how to turn in report cards- ask them! They will help you, there is just so much going on!
- Stop trying to be perfect; I don’t care how detailed your lesson plans are or how much time you spend preparing for them, something will go wrong or different than you thought. Have fun, be silly, realize this job is not only about your curriculum, take everything in as a lesson and know that tomorrow is a new day!
- Take time to focus on relationships; I am usually exhausted, confused and stressed at the end of each day, but I wake up so excited to go back and see my kiddos. This job is so much work, but as my favorite quote goes “It will not be easy, it will be worth it.”