45: Bonus Edition- Interview with Katie Helms

Katie is a second year elementary ESL teacher. She currently works in Charlotte, NC but is originally from Illinois. Due to student allotment numbers tied to funding and student need, Katie has moved schools each year she has taught and has already been told she will be relocated in the district to help a different school with an expanding ESL population next year- that equals 3 schools in 3 years. She loves teaching ESL and making relationships with her students for years to come!

Quotables

• Each child is different and unique and learns at their own pace
• It’s a marathon, not a sprint
• They are children, not adults
• Relate to the kids and build relationships- building a classroom culture is huge
• I celebrate mistakes
• Practice makes perfect
• I can’t control what do, but I can control what happens in my classroom
• No Chalk Talk policy with friends
• Listen to your gut
• It goes back to the kids… we are paid in hugs!

Katie’s Stamp of Approval

• Teach Like A Champion– Positive Framing and No Opt Out
• The New Teacher Project Teaching Fellows Programs- Katie calls this “teacher bootcamp”
• Linked-In Groups
• WIDA

Connect with Katie

• Email: katieshelms@gmail.com

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

• Links:
• Twitter
• Website
• Google +
• Facebook