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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Jennifer Ryan is currently a program trainer for preschool teachers in the San Diego Area. She has been working with preschool children for 20 years; I have been an assistant teacher and then became a lead teacher about 10 years ago.

What inspired you to teach?

I am inspired daily by the children. Even as a young child, I was drawn to teaching those younger than me. I spent my lunch periods in 8th grade helping to supervise the kindergarten class at their recess. Teaching is just who I am.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

I make sure to always let the child lead the activity and then add information to what they are doing, allowing them to build on their knowledge and skills. I think the best thing we, in preschool, can do for the children is to empower them. I empower them to find solutions to problems, complete tasks independently, and to solve conflicts with each other. With an adult standing close by giving them verbal cues how to get through a problem and then cheering with them when they accomplish it on their own. That is the best thing we can give the young children.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

How to manage the other adults in the environment. As a preschool teacher, you have to direct the assistant teachers, volunteers, and parents. Pulling that team together is really the hard work. Make sure to have specific things for them to do and never assume that they know what they should be doing. We all have to start from somewhere. We are educated professionals and we need to empart that knowledge to those who are starting out in this field and to those parents who need some direction. In short, you have to think of yourself as a teacher of all people, not just a teacher of preschool children.

What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program?

I do not have a masters in any field. I know that I make improvements to my teaching skills every day. I learn from every situation, every child, every activity. What worked, what didn’t, and what I need to further research. The place that I improve upon is my knowledge. I keep updating my knowledge in recent research, studies, and changes in the child development and education fields.

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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.