1. How do you create a positive classroom climate?

This is a tricky one that takes a lot of time and patience at the beginning of the year and requires
revisiting throughout the school year. We spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year working
on names, reading books and talking about how we can help each other with doing daily school
things. School is hard, but when we work together, we let each other know that we are here to
help each other and want to see each other succeed.
Getting to know the children, their families, and what they like to do also helps with creating that
trust part of the classroom climate. Children want to be heard and know that what they like and
like to do is just as important to me as me wanting learning to be for them. Asking about what
they did over the weekend, providing opportunities for them to talk with each other, and share
what is on their mind helps a lot.
The children also know that I won’t tolerate others laughing at how another child perceives or
learns something slower than their peers. We all “bloom” at our own rates and we cheer each
other on when that magical moment happens.

2. How do you meet the needs of all your learners?

This is honestly one of the hardest things as an educator! A roomful of children are all learning at
their own speeds and carry their own strengths and challenges. Always be open to finding
different ways to meet the needs of the children in your classroom. Never feel that you can only
do it the way that it’s always been done – push yourself and challenge yourself to find a better
way to meet his needs!
For instance, I have a child this year who is reading at a level S in guided reading. He’s amazing
on how well he can read, comprehend, and retell a story. I felt like I was doing a disservice to
him by keeping him with me for guided reading when I’ve always only worked with the primary
level students. I reached out to another teacher who I knew taught similar to me and asked if he
could join her leveled readers in her 3rd grade classroom. She said he was a perfect fit in her
group and he was challenged in a way that allowed him to look forward to his days to work on
reading at a higher level. I currently have a student who reads with a second grade teacher right
now as well. ❤

3. What aspects of diversity do you have in your class?

I have a wide range of diversity in my classroom. It is one of the things that I absolutely LOVE
about Chinn Elementary. We have so many cultures and backgrounds that can be shared not only
in our school, but in our classroom, too! I always tell my children to be proud of what they look
like and bring forward their differences and allow them to shine. I want my children to be proud
of who they are and where they come from. Currently, there are white, black, Asian,
Hispanic/Latino, African Black/American White, Asian Black, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian,
and Black American in our classroom.

4. How do you integrate technology into your classroom?

I will only integrate technology in the classroom if I feel that it will enhance the lesson/objective
that we are learning. At the Kindergarten level, I feel that it is so important for children to have
hands-on experiences. They’ve been involved with technology for so much of their lives before
beginning formal school, that Kindergartners struggle with simply talking with each other,
solving their own problems, and getting along with each other. I want my children to be able to
practice their language and learn how to communicate with each other. This learning cannot
occur when children are always plugged into their iPads.

5. What advice would you give me? As a first year teacher? As a student about to go to college?

As a student about to go to college: Be open to learn new things and ask questions. Go in with
fresh eyes and take it all in as a new student. High school required you to be someone who you
thought everyone wanted you to be. College gives you the opportunity to become the
woman/person you were meant to be. Don’t turn away from her. She’s beautiful and she has so
much to offer the world! Network! Meet people and remember them as you are going through
college – they are going to be your lifeline and someone you will want to reach out to when you
are ready to begin your career.

As a first year teacher: Find a teacher who you find that you can look up to; even if it’s not who
you’re doing your student teaching with, or your mentor teacher. Take it slow. No one expects
you to know everything; especially the first year of teaching. Find your people/your team who
will stand up for you and support you because they want to see you succeed in this profession.
Give yourself grace. Know you are loved and that you’re changing the future because you were
chosen to be a professional educator.