What you do:
Third Grade Elementary School Teacher at Morris Bye Elementary in the Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools – Coon Rapids, Minnesota
I teach ELA, math, and social studies to 24 kids in a low-income school five days per week. We do reading in the morning and math and social studies in the afternoon. We do whole group instruction, small group instruction, intervention times, and station or center work. I am one of two first-year teachers in my school and have passed both my observations so far. Anoka-Hennepin is a respected district and is a difficult district to be accepted into as a first-year teacher.
What inspires you:
I have wanted to be a teacher my whole life and have wanted to impact kids in school in a positive way.
How you want to make a difference:
I have long term plans to go back to school for a master’s degree in administration after I get some more teaching experience. I plan to be an Elementary School Principal and then potentially teach at a college or university to train and teach future teachers.
How Bethany has prepared you:
I have always heard that a person’s first year of teaching is very tough and challenging, but I have felt extremely prepared and set up for success by Bethany’s Education program. Dr. Polly Browne was my advisor since Early Registration Day and had a huge impact on my Bethany experience. She was much more than just an advisor to me and quickly became a mentor and friend. I use so much of what she taught me daily in my classroom and give her so much credit for the knowledge and skills I use day-to-day. I still keep in touch with her when I can today and she still gives me advice even though I’m out of Bethany!
What you remember most about Bethany:
All the amazing people I met! I made so many friends from so many different classes and majors and enjoyed my professors. My education professors (Dr. Alanna Lienig, Dr. Carrie Pfeifer, Dr. Polly Browne) were exceptional educators and I remember so much about each and every one of their classes, as well as advice and personal stories of theirs to apply in my own classroom.
Advice for current students:
Enjoy college life! It comes to a close so quickly. Don’t be afraid to get out and try something new, but stay true to yourself and your interests. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors outside of class – they have so much knowledge and insight and you won’t regret those conversations!