My 12 year old just interviewed me about my career (teaching), so I thought I'd share it with you. It's not everyday, after all, that one is coerced into an interview -- or that a mom of three is given the opportunity to talk about herself without being interrupted. ;)
As you read, think about how you would have answered the 6th grader. Post in the comments an answer to one of his questions.
6th Grader: Why did you become a teacher?
Junebug: I love kids and had really enjoyed working in a day care center during my college years. I'd played school a lot with my little sister, I'd tutored some friends, and had enjoyed learning, so my heart had always been in education.
6: What would you do if you weren't a teacher?
J: Hmm. That's a tough one. I love to write, so I could see myself attempting the great American novel. Oh, and I did start out as an anthropology major in college. That would have been a fascinating field.
6: A what?
An anthropology major. Anthropologists study humans and their ways of life. I wanted to study cultures by doing fieldwork, living among tribes and sects, recording their beliefs, actions, and such.
6: Okaaayyy. What subject is your favorite to teach?
J: Reading! I love to teach reading. I also really like history and social studies. Of course, science experiments are super fun too. I guess I like all of the subjects an elementary teacher gets to teach. Fitting, huh?
6: What was your favorite subject in school when you were a kid?
J: That really depended on the teacher. My earliest years of school I loved reading so much. In middle school I preferred civics and history. During high school it changed each year depending on the teacher. I was always drawn to the subjects in which the teachers demonstrated passion for the subject.
6: What grade is your favorite to teach?
J: I'm loving fourth right now. Fourth graders are pretty independent, have great personalities, and usually get my humor. However, I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every grade level I've taught.
6: Would you like to have iPads for your students?
J: (Duh!) Of course, I would love to! I can think of a gazillion ways to utilize them. Perhaps one day...
6: What's your favorite book to read to your students?
J: Goodness. I can't pick just one... I think Fablehaven, Freak the Mighty, The Naked Mole Rat, and The Cat in the Hat are probably at the top of the list.
6: What subject would you like to teach if you could teach anything?
J: If I could teach anything, I would love to try out an integrated, 21st Century skills approach. That would mean approaching the classroom with an inquiry-based STEM focus that integrated all of the subjects and encouraged collaboration among students. I would really enjoy trying that out, especially if I could collaborate and co-teach with others.
So, what about you? How would you answer the questions in this interview? Pick a question to respond to in the comments section below. I'd love to hear from you.
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