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In the Classroom: Dylan Graves

Posted on by lagoodson
Dylan Graves, front right, stands with his students outside school.

Name: Dylan Graves

Position: USD 308

City/State: Hutchinson, KS

Class/content area taught: Sixth-grade math, reading, and writing

What you are most excited about with your new career: I am excited about the opportunity to impact lives. There are so many students who do not have positive role models in their lives. I hope to be a positive role model for these students.

A bit of a different look: Mr. Graves wore a 1980s jumpsuit and sunglasses because he and his students were starting a research project on the 1980s that day. (He promises he doesn’t dress that way everyday.)

What you enjoy most about teaching: I really enjoy witnessing student success and improvement. In the short 3 ½ months we have been in school, I have witnessed one special education student jump an entire reading grade level. This has probably been one of my proudest moments in my short career.

A few activities…some of which he learned at the COE.

In what ways has your school/district supported you? My situation has been very unique because I have returned to teach at the same elementary school I attended as a student. I am very familiar with my building which has been comforting in itself. The room I teach in was my homeroom as a 6th grader. It is also unique because some of my teachers have become my colleagues now. They have been very supportive and have gone out of their way to see me succeed. My grade level team has also been very supportive.

Ways KSU especially helped prepare you for your new career: I think the opportunity to be exposed to the classroom setting at such an early stage in our education career at KSU was very beneficial. The College of Education does a great job of getting us out there in the classrooms to make sure we know that teaching is the right career for us, and also so we’re not uncomfortable in the classroom when it comes time to student teach and eventually lead our own classroom.

Suggestions/encouragement for new teachers: I encourage all new teachers keep up the fight. There have been several days where I have gone home wondering if what I am doing is making a difference. I have also wondered if my students are actually learning. But then a parent will reach out and tell me how much their student is enjoying class. Or when I had a special education student increase an entire reading grade level in 3 short months. Those are the times when I am reassured that I have chosen the right career path.