Lessons from the Field: Interview with Brittany Balazs
Posted on January 8th, 2010 in Certification Map | Comments
This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.
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Starting later this January, Brittany Balazs will begin student teaching at Urbana Middle and High Schools. AT UMS, she will be teaching 7th grade English and at UHS she will have 11th and 12th grade AP English classes. Previously, all of her classes have been English and Language Arts based. She has been working towards becoming a teacher for 3 years.
Below is our interview with Brittany:
What inspired you to teach?
I had some really amazing teachers growing up and always loved my English/Language Arts classes. I decided to combine that love with my love for working with kids. Education seemed like a slam dunk. :)
What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?
I like to incorporate group discussions and creative methods assignments whenever possible. Also, using different types of literature, like graphic novels or popular magazines is always a good way to get students interested in reading.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known when you started in the classroom?
I don't know if I should be giving advice just yet, but I have found that it is extremely helpful top relate to your students if you know the type of things that interest them. Popular liturature, music, movies- pop-culture in general- helps you to understand them more, and more importantly, it helps you to discover the best ways to reach your students. But don't assume that just because it's popular every student will be into it. Your students are individuals, and it is very important to get to know them.
Also, don't ever underestimate your students abilities. It's amazing what someone is capable of if they are provided with the right support and encouragement.
What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program?
After I teach for a few years I plan on going back for a masters. Right now, though, I think what I need the most is experience. After I acquire some of that, I will be able to pin point more closely exactly what I need to work on. Aside from that, though, there is always room for improvement!
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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.
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Starting later this January, Brittany Balazs will begin student teaching at Urbana Middle and High Schools. AT UMS, she will be teaching 7th grade English and at UHS she will have 11th and 12th grade AP English classes. Previously, all of her classes have been English and Language Arts based. She has been working towards becoming a teacher for 3 years.Below is our interview with Brittany:
What inspired you to teach?
I had some really amazing teachers growing up and always loved my English/Language Arts classes. I decided to combine that love with my love for working with kids. Education seemed like a slam dunk. :)
What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?
I like to incorporate group discussions and creative methods assignments whenever possible. Also, using different types of literature, like graphic novels or popular magazines is always a good way to get students interested in reading.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known when you started in the classroom?
I don't know if I should be giving advice just yet, but I have found that it is extremely helpful top relate to your students if you know the type of things that interest them. Popular liturature, music, movies- pop-culture in general- helps you to understand them more, and more importantly, it helps you to discover the best ways to reach your students. But don't assume that just because it's popular every student will be into it. Your students are individuals, and it is very important to get to know them.
Also, don't ever underestimate your students abilities. It's amazing what someone is capable of if they are provided with the right support and encouragement.
What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program?
After I teach for a few years I plan on going back for a masters. Right now, though, I think what I need the most is experience. After I acquire some of that, I will be able to pin point more closely exactly what I need to work on. Aside from that, though, there is always room for improvement!
–
Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.
