Where are you teaching?
Farrell High School in Farrell, Pennsylvania
Farrell High School in Farrell, Pennsylvania
What subject(s) are you teaching? What grades?
I have a very interesting/unique job description at Farrell. I am helping implement a new program for grades 7-11 that helps struggling students prepare for state tests. I am part of a team that assists students who scored basic or below basic on their CDT tests through small group instruction. Because of a shortage of substitute teachers in the area, I also fill in for classroom teachers whenever the school cannot find coverage.
I have a very interesting/unique job description at Farrell. I am helping implement a new program for grades 7-11 that helps struggling students prepare for state tests. I am part of a team that assists students who scored basic or below basic on their CDT tests through small group instruction. Because of a shortage of substitute teachers in the area, I also fill in for classroom teachers whenever the school cannot find coverage.
What specific subject and grade level do you ultimately hope to teach?
Eventually, I would like to teach Civics and U.S. History for grades 11-12
Eventually, I would like to teach Civics and U.S. History for grades 11-12
What has been your experience as a professional teacher thus far?
My experience thus far has been a very positive one. The school district I am working in has made me feel valued since the first day and I genuinely enjoy my job.
How similar or different is your teaching experience from your student teaching experience?
The experiences I have had so far at Farrell are very different than the ones I had during my student teaching semester, which was at Neshannock High School. The demographics of the two schools could not be any more different, and I went from teaching social studies in a general classroom during student teaching to now being more involved with data and state test scores.
The experiences I have had so far at Farrell are very different than the ones I had during my student teaching semester, which was at Neshannock High School. The demographics of the two schools could not be any more different, and I went from teaching social studies in a general classroom during student teaching to now being more involved with data and state test scores.
What is one thing that you have learned from Slippery Rock University’s teacher preparation program that you have brought into your classroom?
I remember Dr. Hilton teaching us that you have to clearly set your expectations from day one and he could not have been any more right about that. I did just that when I started running the diagnostic tests and started doing one-on-ones and small group instruction. Because of that, I have not had near as many classroom management problems as other teachers here because from day one, they knew I did not tolerate bad behavior. Word spreads faster than you’d think.
I remember Dr. Hilton teaching us that you have to clearly set your expectations from day one and he could not have been any more right about that. I did just that when I started running the diagnostic tests and started doing one-on-ones and small group instruction. Because of that, I have not had near as many classroom management problems as other teachers here because from day one, they knew I did not tolerate bad behavior. Word spreads faster than you’d think.
What advice would you give to current college students who are preparing to be teachers?
For those who are student teaching currently or will be soon, my best advice is to learn to be resilient. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days. Do not get discouraged by the bad days because they can be used as a learning experience for the future. Also, get involved in groups or activities on campus. Schools like to hire well-rounded people more than people who just took classes and did homework (or “robots” as Dr. Hicks likes to call them).
For those who are student teaching currently or will be soon, my best advice is to learn to be resilient. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days. Do not get discouraged by the bad days because they can be used as a learning experience for the future. Also, get involved in groups or activities on campus. Schools like to hire well-rounded people more than people who just took classes and did homework (or “robots” as Dr. Hicks likes to call them).
Why did you choose teaching as your profession?
I chose teaching because I believe that I can get students to care about school and see the value in education and how it relates to them. I think that is something that is lacking right now and I want to help correct that. I always have wanted to help people in everything I do and I truly believe that a good teacher can improve more lives than just about anyone.
I chose teaching because I believe that I can get students to care about school and see the value in education and how it relates to them. I think that is something that is lacking right now and I want to help correct that. I always have wanted to help people in everything I do and I truly believe that a good teacher can improve more lives than just about anyone.
