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School C.R. Hanna Elementary School, Orion.
Grade level and subject Kindergarten through fifth grade, special education.
Who and what inspired you to become a teacher?
Almost everyone has memories of good and great teachers during their life, and I am no different. My decision to become a teacher is rooted in the desire to be a great educator. Early in my high school years I experienced the joy of small and sometimes large student successes. I believe that through teaching I can make an impact one lesson, and even one student, at a time.
Why did you choose this subject or this grade level?
I chose special education for many reasons:
• The opportunity to emphasize specific skills
• Work with focused small groups or individual students
• The reward of helping students find their learning style
• The desire to have a positive effect on students
It is the best feeling knowing you have helped someone to learn!
What are your biggest challenges as a teacher? How do you handle them?
One of my biggest challenges is the limited time I have during the day. There is so much to do and teach but so little time to get it all done. I find that keeping tasks organized and prioritizing helps me manage this situation.
Another challenge is developing reasonable expectations, from behavior to work to motivating students. Unfortunately, there is no single super formula for inspiring students. Of course, not all students are driven by the same values, needs, desires, or wants.
Many factors affect a given student's incentive to work and learn, including their interest in the subject matter, how useful they find the information, general desire to achieve, self-confidence and self-esteem. Identifying individual motivators takes a lot of time and patience to be successful.
What teaching moments have been the most memorable?
It is difficult to pick just one memorable moment from my teaching career when every day is packed with experiences ranging from absolute frustration and despair to ecstatic joy. Probably my most memorable experiences have been just watching the lightbulb go on when a student finally wraps their mind around a concept we are learning or the pride on a student’s face when they turn in an assignment or project on which they worked really hard. Any of these types of situations are the ones that stick with you throughout the years.
PERSONNEL FILE
Age 38
Residence Lynn Center
Education M.S. degree from Western Illinois University
Experience I have 10 years of teaching experience beginning at Industry
Elementary School in Industry, Ill., immediately after college, followed by nine years at Logan Elementary School in Moline.
Hobbies I enjoy reading, running, and spending time with my family.
Family I’ve been married for 14 years and have three sons.
School C.R. Hanna Elementary School, Orion.
Grade level and subject Kindergarten through fifth grade, special education.
Who and what inspired you to become a teacher?
Almost everyone has memories of good and great teachers during their life, and I am no different. My decision to become a teacher is rooted in the desire to be a great educator. Early in my high school years I experienced the joy of small and sometimes large student successes. I believe that through teaching I can make an impact one lesson, and even one student, at a time.
Why did you choose this subject or this grade level?
I chose special education for many reasons:
• The opportunity to emphasize specific skills
• Work with focused small groups or individual students
• The reward of helping students find their learning style
• The desire to have a positive effect on students
It is the best feeling knowing you have helped someone to learn!
What are your biggest challenges as a teacher? How do you handle them?
One of my biggest challenges is the limited time I have during the day. There is so much to do and teach but so little time to get it all done. I find that keeping tasks organized and prioritizing helps me manage this situation.
Another challenge is developing reasonable expectations, from behavior to work to motivating students. Unfortunately, there is no single super formula for inspiring students. Of course, not all students are driven by the same values, needs, desires, or wants.
Many factors affect a given student's incentive to work and learn, including their interest in the subject matter, how useful they find the information, general desire to achieve, self-confidence and self-esteem. Identifying individual motivators takes a lot of time and patience to be successful.
What teaching moments have been the most memorable?
It is difficult to pick just one memorable moment from my teaching career when every day is packed with experiences ranging from absolute frustration and despair to ecstatic joy. Probably my most memorable experiences have been just watching the lightbulb go on when a student finally wraps their mind around a concept we are learning or the pride on a student’s face when they turn in an assignment or project on which they worked really hard. Any of these types of situations are the ones that stick with you throughout the years.
PERSONNEL FILE
Age 38
Residence Lynn Center
Education M.S. degree from Western Illinois University
Experience I have 10 years of teaching experience beginning at Industry
Elementary School in Industry, Ill., immediately after college, followed by nine years at Logan Elementary School in Moline.
Hobbies I enjoy reading, running, and spending time with my family.
Family I’ve been married for 14 years and have three sons.
