"A Passion for the Classroom"

I came across an article in a magazine called “Wilmington, North Carolina.” Amongst the beautiful beach scenery and southern architecture, came the article entitled “A Passion for the Classroom.” The author Jennifer Glatt introduced and interviewed three 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year from the New Hanover County school district.
She asked each educator a series of questions in hopes to inspire her readers by the passionate and exceptional leaders of education. As I was reading the answers from these educators, I saw much of myself in their perspectives. I thought I’d put myself through an exercise to reflect on my career journey as well as solidify my perspective on education.
Below are the questions from the article along with my own personal responses:

Quick Bio
Gretchen Schultek
8 year educator
3rd Grade
Berewick Elementary School
Charlotte, NC
Marist College/Psychology & Special Education B.S.
UNCC/Curriculum & Supervision M.Ed.

1. Favorite Quote?
“Dream Big!” I worked in a Title-One school for 5 years and had to instill in my students the opportunity and permission to dream big dreams for themselves, regardless of their current circumstances and/or influences. It has made me continue to dream and achieve as well.

2. Why did you choose to become a teacher?
My 4th grade teacher Miss Lofy made learning fun. I always played teacher as a child, but Miss Lofy solidified my goal to become a fun, loving teacher of elementary school students.

3. What or who inspires your teaching? Why?
I’m an avid reader and gain ideas from other educators who have published works. As a blogger, I learn a lot from other current teachers about what works and how to go about it. But mostly, my students inspire me. Their interests guide my instructional approach, their responses guide the depth of my questioning, and their weaknesses increase my creativity to effectively reach them. Each class is unique and I have never taught content the same way to any two classes- how I respond depends on the students’ capabilities and reactions.

4. What do you feel contributes to your success as a teacher?
I look at my teaching career as a leveled system, where each level is dependent upon the supporting layer below it. In order to ascend a level, certain achievements have to take place first which often are the result of a relationship with an inspiring individual. Let me explain…
As a learner myself, I had to acquire skills before conquering a level of achievement (elementary, middle and high school followed by undergrad and graduate school). Each of these achievements were a result of many inspiring educators and outside influences- like Miss Lofy’s engaging lessons to make learning easy and my dependable dual parental support system at home.
As an educator, each principal’s leadership style guided the development of my own leadership style in my classroom and within the school. In addition, the composition of team members with whom I worked each year strengthened my communication style and inspired the creativity behind my teaching techniques.
Therefore, as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village of people and a variety of life experience to make me successful as a teacher.

5. As we approach a new school year, what suggestions do you have for students to start off on the right foot for a successful school year?

• Bring as many supplies from your class supply list as possible that way you can focus on learning and not the obstacle of the lack of materials. (If you cannot purchase a particular item, let your teacher know right away as the school might have extras to lend you.)
• Come to school the first day with an open mind. You learn the most when you are willing to take in new knowledge.
• Dress your best because when you feel good your perspective reflects your positive attitude
• Give everything a try. You can’t gain skills without swinging the bat. Taking risks is when you learn best, whether you are successful or not.
• Check your past at the door. Create a new impression with your teacher and classmates.
• Learning is a collaborative process. Talk respectfully with others, share your ideas when appropriate, and ask LOTS of questions. Life is not meant to be lived alone and no one is successful by doing everything solely by themselves. Embrace others.
• Get ready to have fun!!

6. What qualities do you seek to nurture in your students so that they are well prepared academically?
I focus on making my students the best version of themselves, personally and academically. The relationship I create with each student is the vessel by which I can build the trust so that they follow my lead. Even though I model appropriate behaviors and decision-making, students learn best by doing. So getting them to follow my lead has a longer lasting effect.
Personally– To develop a respectful, honest, caring level of character within a dependable individual who also has persevering ambition.
Academically– To develop a fearless risk-taking approach to learning by collaborating effectively with others while investigating uncharted waters of their own interest.

Why do you believe reflection to be the major contributing factor to an individual’s success?

(Go ahead and try it for yourself- answer the above questions and then share the link below! )

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.

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