1.) What is the hardest unit/topic to teach?
Neurology and Economics/Stock Market are two very interesting units that I teach and always keep me on my toes because of the nature of research and rapid technological advances. In the medical field new findings and current research are rapidly uncovering new findings and new questions. Keeping up on the medical journals and being current on latest findings while impressing on my students that all the answers are not always known. True research often leads to more questions than answers. Teaching about the brain is both challenging and intriguing. Economics is very real, yet very abstract to 5th graders. During this unit, I worked very hard to stay abreast of global and local news so that I can help the students see how a plethora of things such as H1N1, an illness affects us in many ways, including the global economy. While I plan a lesson for everyday in this unit, I am always readjusting to whatever is necessary, based on everyday happenings.
2.) What else have you taught besides P.A.?
I have taught for many years. I began teaching second grade and have taught all grades in regular classroom except for kindergarten.I have also taught religious education at my church.
3.) What is your favorite thing to teach?
I love teaching and learning anything that is new and challenging.
4.) When you were in elementary school, did you want to be a teacher?
I come from a large family. When I was in elementary school, my siblings and I often played school. Because I was one of the younger children in my family, I always had to be the student. Maybe that was when I decided I wanted to be a teacher.
5.) What was the best thing that has happened to you out of all the years you have taught?
One of the best things that has happened to me as a teacher is seeing children really learn something for the first time. I also feel very proud to be a teacher when students come back when they are older and tell me how something I have taught them has helped them.