Emily Eichner

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
 I teach 9th grade Honors World Literature and 12th grade Honors British Literature for Hampton City Schools in Hampton, Virginia. I run a community service club, I am a mentor for at-risk teens, and I tutor students who needed additional help to pass standardized tests and English-based courses.

What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
My best advice is to find your other passions in addition to your content area and teaching. Take on leadership roles in extra curricular activities, run fundraisers for charities that have sentimental value to you, and get involved. Schools look for how you are able to holistically shape their students, so they will be more likely to hire you if they see you are willing to run an organization.

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
I currently have a senior who just transferred schools. He began the year sitting silently alone, skipping lunch, unwilling to open up with anyone. Slowly but surely, I've learned more about him. I've let him eat lunch with me, which resulted in three other seniors eating lunch with us. I've learned that he is a poet, which resulted in impromptu poetry readings for me and his classmates. I've learned that he loves English, which, with his hard work and dedication, led him to earning the highest grade in his class. He told me that my class is the only one where he can be himself. I can't put into words how much that affected me.

What makes a great teacher?
In each of your students, there is greatness. Sometimes it's obvious, but sometimes it is difficult to find. Students come in with baggage that teachers have no control of. Your duty is to come in each day making sure that the students know you're on their side. Go to their games, applaud them for boosting their grade in your class, and be sure to be happy to see each of them every day. Your consistent positive attitude affects them more than you know. Fight for their greater good all day, every day.