Lessons from the FIeld: Interview with Lisa Byrd
Posted on December 11th, 2009 in Teachers | 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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Lisa Byrd, who has been teaching for 21 years, teaches Pre-AP English 9, Writing Enhancement, Career Communications (which is yearbook/journalism), and ICC-a technology class at Cutter Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, AR.
Below is our interview with Lisa:
What inspired you to teach?
Honestly, I wanted to be a doctor, or thought I did. At first it was a rebellion against my parents wishes. I had a basketball coach that had many affairs with girls and when I wouldn't play he kicked me off the team. I vowed that I would make sure at least one group of girls wouldn't have that to deal with. I discovered that I really liked teaching English though.
What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?
Treating kids with respect as though they deserve it first instead of having to earn it; showing an interest in kids outside of the classroom; being honest with them; showing them that lessons in school no matter how inane they may seem have an authentic purpose; instead of yelling go the opposite- talk softer.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known when you started in the classroom?
There is no right way to do anything. You have to learn how to meld your objectives with your communication style. It's okay to steal any idea you come across. Make sure you have the admin on your side. I see so many new teachers that really don't understand discipline-- understand the purpose of discipline.
What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?
I have an MLA in English. It taught me how to balance school and work which I don't think we had to do in the 80's. (I think a masters in Education is an
What would you like to improve about your teaching?
College does not prepare you for teaching. I don’t know how to go about teaching that. You either have the innate ability to teach and control a group of kids or you don’t. That's where teaching programs fail--just because you can pay for the classes you get to become a teacher. People think teaching is so easy. It's like herding cats and trying to teach them how to bark at the same time.
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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.
This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann. You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.
--
Lisa Byrd, who has been teaching for 21 years, teaches Pre-AP English 9, Writing Enhancement, Career Communications (which is yearbook/journalism), and ICC-a technology class at Cutter Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, AR.
Below is our interview with Lisa:
What inspired you to teach?
Honestly, I wanted to be a doctor, or thought I did. At first it was a rebellion against my parents wishes. I had a basketball coach that had many affairs with girls and when I wouldn't play he kicked me off the team. I vowed that I would make sure at least one group of girls wouldn't have that to deal with. I discovered that I really liked teaching English though.
What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?
Treating kids with respect as though they deserve it first instead of having to earn it; showing an interest in kids outside of the classroom; being honest with them; showing them that lessons in school no matter how inane they may seem have an authentic purpose; instead of yelling go the opposite- talk softer.
What is the one thing you wish you'd known when you started in the classroom?
There is no right way to do anything. You have to learn how to meld your objectives with your communication style. It's okay to steal any idea you come across. Make sure you have the admin on your side. I see so many new teachers that really don't understand discipline-- understand the purpose of discipline.
What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?
I have an MLA in English. It taught me how to balance school and work which I don't think we had to do in the 80's. (I think a masters in Education is an
What would you like to improve about your teaching?
College does not prepare you for teaching. I don’t know how to go about teaching that. You either have the innate ability to teach and control a group of kids or you don’t. That's where teaching programs fail--just because you can pay for the classes you get to become a teacher. People think teaching is so easy. It's like herding cats and trying to teach them how to bark at the same time.
--
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.
This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann. You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.
