Inspirational Educator: Megan – Building Relationships with the Students is My Number One Priority

How long have you been teaching?

I am going into my 7th year in the world of education.

Why did you choose to teach as a career?

I always loved working with people and helping them discover new things. My family says I was always “naturally bossy” in a good way, but working with others has always been something I greatly enjoyed. Teaching is something I have always been drawn to throughout my life so when the time came for me to choose a profession it was very easy for me.

Share your proudest teacher moment.

I experience these moments often because they aren’t always the BIG AHA moments. Each time a student makes a better choice, embraces a challenge and doesn’t give up or simply wants to share thing with you are proud moments. Building relationships with my students is my number one priority and it isn’t always easy. My proudest moments are when I can see the small changes within my students.

What is the most important message about teaching that you would like People to know?

There are many important messages I would love to share, but the one I think of most often would be this. I love my students as if they were my own kids. Each and every child that walks through my door will be loved, protected and given the tools to help them grow. It will not always be rainbows and sunshine, there is tough love involved when students learn life lessons and that is okay. In my classroom learning can be fun, but it will not be easy. I make learning as hands on as possible for my students and allow them to interact, problem solve and become their own inspiration. I love when I am able to step back in my classroom and watch my students embrace and enjoy each other’s strengths and learn from one another. Teaching is not all about me standing up front and giving information, it is about teaching children how to learn, grow, persevere and interact independently.

How can parents and Educators work together to better to ensure children are successful?

Ask questions and come to collaborate. Often times things can get misconstrued, but know that we all want your child to be successful and sometimes tough conversations need to take place. If you are willing to collaborate and work side by side with us your child’s growth will be even more amazing.

What is the most important educational gift parents can provide for their children to help them be successful learners?

Don’t rescue your child from failure. Failure is what creates perseverance and a growth mindset. Letting your child embrace a struggle and supporting them when they stick with it or give it another try is extremely powerful. I have many students that will not attempt new skills because they are afraid of failing, but in my classroom failure is something to celebrate! Failure means you tried something, went through with it and learned what you need to do better next time…it is learning.

Who is most Inspirational Teacher you’ve had? Why?

I have had many amazing educators, but the “teachers” I most look up to are my mother and father. My parents are not educators, but they have made me into the person I am today. They have picked me up when I have fallen, listened to me cry when I felt lost and have always been there to reassure me. Everything I am and everything I do in my classroom stems from my parents. I often hear my mother come out of my mouth when I redirect a student and I see my father when I watch a student persevere on their own but see that I am sitting there right next to them for support. They may not be educators in the technical sense of the word, but they are my biggest support and inspiration.

How many hours a week do you spend completing all of your duties related to your job. Are there any extra duties that people may find surprising or not consider that you have to complete?

I have never really looked at the hours because I love my job, but my job does not end when my contract does. I will still answer emails from parents, grade papers, go buy supplies for the lesson we have this week etc. It is hard to say how many hours a week if complete duties for my job because for me my job never ends.

Have you ever paid for supplies for your classroom?Every year!

I have even gone and purchased clothes, gloves, hats, shoes, and socks to keep in my classroom for any child that may need them.

If you had a wish list of needs for your classroom what would the top three things be?

Ticonderoga pencils, kleenex, and someone’s time :D.

If you would love to help Megan by donating some of the above supplies, please contact her here: [email protected]

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.