🇺🇸 [teacher] Teri
Lalilo is interviewing outstanding educators in order to shine light on the extraordinary work they do each day. Meet Teri, Kindergarten Teacher in New Jersey :)
What kind of student were you?
I was a teacher’s pet! I loved school and learning. But when I got to college, I realized I never learned how to “learn” because most academics were easy for me to grasp without working hard. I think I bring that realization with me in the classroom now as a Kindergarten teacher. My students know that saying “that’s easy” is not enough and that we should search for the “that’s hard — I want to practice getting better at that”.
If you could change anything in education, what would it be?
I want teachers to be rockstars — I want us to be heard and valued. We are certainly not here for the money or accolades — we obviously care and have an opinion about the state of education today. Our opinions should be valued and our opinions should be what is moving education forward. We are also becoming the shapers of social/emotional learning for our students. We need the time in our day and in our curriculum to teach, model, and practice social skills. There is power in play!
If you could talk an hour with the Secretary of State for Education, what would you discuss?
The value of standardized pre-school and early intervention. Each year, as I see budgets tightening, I watch support systems being taken away from the young. It is for budgetary reasons that we need strong, early intervention services. (With the bonus of HELPING CHILDREN SUCCEED WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG and NOT waiting for them to fail!)
What needs to change in Education?
I have enjoyed watching a slow switch away from teaching content towards teaching skills. I am exciting and hopeful to see how this trend continues. We need to grow problem solvers, not encyclopedias. I hope the strength of this change continues.
How did you become a teacher?
I fought it with every breathe!! I went to a college that was known for producing amazing teachers. I entered college not declaring a major — all I knew is I did NOT want to become a teacher! By my sophomore year, I still could not visualize my future or choose my path. I decided I would allow myself one education course just to officially rule out that prospect. It was my downfall — I fell in love! I did not choose this career, it chose me!
Did you ever work another job?
I worked for almost ten years at my high school job — at a grocery store. I ended my job as an office manager supervising cashiers, balancing the daily money intake, and in charge of customer service. I think if you can please people with grocery store problems, you can conquer the world! (Or, at least gain the patience to teach kindergarteners!)
Why did you want to become a teacher?
It felt powerful to me. Any other job seemed useless.
What do you like the most in being a teacher?
Well, after finally succumbing to the career, I found that I was very selfish in my reasons. I loved school and I love learning and growing. I had the power to pass that on, year after year, class after class. My biggest enjoyment is creating self-motivated, independent learners.
What grade do you prefer teaching?
I’ve been teaching Kindergarten for 20 years. And that was a mistake as well! I wanted an older grade when I began my career, but my school had an opening and I needed a job and it was Kindergarten. I agreed, deciding that when I had enough of it, I would switch grades. I guess I haven’t reached that point yet. I do know that I don’t want to retire as a Kindergarten teacher. If I change, it will be drastic. One day, I may brush off my degree in English and search for a position in middle or high school.
Any fun fact about Lalilo you’d like to share?
I’m on the Teacher Advisory Committee for Lalilo! I love taking advantage of putting in my own two cents on what teachers might love to see next. I enjoy getting a peek into the inner workings of this company and I am astounded by what the future may hold! This company already knows that teachers are rockstars and their opinions matter. Lalilo, thank you for being a positive change in education!
