I initially was compelled to become a teacher remembering Mr. Newman, my high school Biology teacher. I was always interested in the Sciences and he inspired my love for Biology.
What was your first school like? Did you feel prepared to take on a class of your own?
The first school I was employed was an inter-city high school in Philadelphia. There was a major shortage of supplies (including textbooks) which made it quite difficult. The classroom had been without a teacher since October which led to some discipline issues. My liberation was the school schedule which utilized the block schedule. Those first 2 months were a good training ground. It prepared me for the next wave of students. The last week of January I received a new schedule of students and subjects. I felt quite prepared to take on these classes.
What was going through your mind the first time you had taught a lesson in front of a class?
The first time I taught a lesson was during a practicum. The teacher was called out of the room and asked me to take over. I stepped to the front of the room and began asking questions about the subject. I believe I was most concerned about the students understanding me. Were they all paying attention? Did they understand my questions?
What has been one positive experience that you have had as a teacher thus far?
Do you think this experience has impacted the way you teach currently? The positive experiences that have come out of teaching are the contact with past graduates who are successful. Through email, I am in contact with some graduates from the Philadelphia High School. The students of the school all come from extremely low SES and some of these students have no role models in their lives. Knowing that some students are able to rise above their situations and become successful is of great comfort. Staying in touch with these students reminds me of the great impact teachers can have on others.
During the school year of 2000-2001, a student won an award for a paper she wrote titled �A Person Who Has Impacted My Life for the Better.� This student wrote about me and how I inspired her to take her education seriously and to pursue higher education. She referred to me in this paper as a great teacher, role model and mother figure. This was very touching to me, since I was unaware of the impact I had on her. I treat all the students with the same care and concern and to know that I affected just one is worth all of my efforts.
I also was named �Who�s Who among American Teachers,� and was informed that I was nominated by a previous student who is successful today.
I believe the impact on another persons life is the best gift one person can give another.
What was one of your first negative experiences as a teacher? What got you through that negative experience? Did it impact upon your philosophy in anyway?
My first negative experience was with a student who was not interested in learning. This student was on house arrest but was forced to attend school. He would come to class everyday, but would not involve himself. His lack of interest led to a small confrontation. Once he and I talked privately about his behavior, he became one of the better students. He improved his behavior and his academics. This experience really brought to fruition the importance of speaking to students one-on-one. I feel this is essential in receiving the results necessary for success. My philosophy is �Shout praise, whisper criticism.�
What do you think are the most important or worthwhile qualifications of a good teacher?
I believe the most important qualities of an outstanding educator are to place no limit on knowledge and to accept the theory of progress. Educators must encourage students to become active learners and responsible adults. Also, the mutual respect among students and teachers has proven today, in a world of violence, to be of great importance.
Are there any overall, almost universal, teaching truths that you have discovered thus far?
I have faith that man is inherently good, but must be enlightened in order to bring that good into useful operation and that all students must be educated with a common objective.
If you could change one thing in education today, what would that be?
If I could change one thing in education today it would be smaller class sizes. I instruct a student at home one day a week, she and I are able to cover much more information and in greater detail than the larger classroom allows.
I have to ask out of curiosity (considering how much it is discussed at the college) what do you think of NCLB? Has it impacted the way you teach in anyway?
I would hope that all good teachers instruct with the belief that all children can learn, regardless of their background or ability. Unfortunately, the law has many flaws and is under-funded. I believe the realization of the importance of education comes from the home and community not just the schools. I believe things will not change through the schools without the accountability of parents/guardians.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new student teacher, what would you tell that person?
Advice I would give to a new teacher is to remember to function with wisdom and honesty. Teachers should realize they may be students only role model and should conduct themselves, in and out of the classroom, as responsible, law abiding, hard working individuals. Keep in mind, that education should permit the rise of the talented to positions of leadership, remembering all students must be educated with a common objective.
I believe educators must encourage students to become active learners and responsible adults. I believe each student should be challenged rigorously in order to realize individual potential fully so they may exhibit intellectual curiosity in the pursuit of excellence. Students should be provided with a variety of materials and methods, so they have the opportunity to succeed in a world where technological changes and cultural diversity are a daily reality.
As a teacher, you should manage your classroom in an effective and efficient manner, while maintaining flexibility. Remember, students need structure, and should be aware of expectations in order for their success. Students should feel they are capable of attaining help from their teacher, or elsewhere, and know when or where they can go for this help. Teachers need to remind and make clear to students all rules or requirements, in order to enforce. Teacher should also be aware of any confusion or inattention, and should be able to assemble a sufficient variety of assignments to maintain interest.
In a world of violence, you should treat students with mutual respect. Remember to avoid any embarrassing situations for students in front of their classmates and be sure to include all students in the classroom learning community, giving everyone a sense of purpose.
Keep in contact with parents; it is the responsibility of all to take an active role in the education of our students. The joint efforts will insure the development of thoughtful and responsible citizens.