Lessons from the Field: Interview with Lyndsey Martin

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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Lyndsey Martin, a teacher of 6 years, teaches high school social studies at Myrtle Beach High School, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year she is teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History. In years past she has taught Government & Economics, Honors Government & Economics, Current Events, and Global Studies 2 (Modern World History). Lyndsey coaches the Model United Nations team, where she is the senior class sponsor, and Social Studies department chair.

Lyndsey’s students are generally 14-18 years old. The area she teaches in has a mix of high and low income, including homeless kids in the same class as kids who drive Hummers to school. Lyndsey told us that “sometimes it’s hard, but we all get along.”

Below is our interview with Lyndsey:

What inspired you to teach?

I was jobless. Really. I moved to South Carolina from Michigan because my husband got a job here and it was an adventure. I couldn’t find a job doing what I had done before (which was a mishmash of working for politicians and universities), so I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I had no idea how much I would love it! It’s never boring. I emailed a former middle-school teacher of mine after I was in the classroom for a couple of years to thank her for all she had done for me. I look back and think I must have been a real pain in the butt back then. The email she sent in response said, “What took you so long? I always knew you’d make a great teacher. I’m glad you finally realized it yourself.”

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

The best thing any teacher can do is get to know their students as people first but to remain a powerful authority- in other words, know them, but don’t be their friend. My students often think of me (and some call me) “Mom”. While it was strange and awkward at first, I realized it was an honor. They love me and respect me and they know I feel the same way. The best motivator I have is disappointment. I get to know my kids, I earn their trust, I prove to them that I’m there to help them and not to hurt then, and then I have them eating out of my hand. They don’t make me happy? They know it, and they try to make me happy again. I don’t have a poker face… I’m truly delighted when they succeed and they know it. But the most powerful thing I say is, “I know you’re capable of more.” I’ll be honest and tell you that it doesn’t work for some kids, but I’m not sure there would be anything I could do that would work.

I also like to have fun with the kids. I joke with them and tease them, and I’m pretty sarcastic. I don’t understand teachers who don’t do that. It’s just not human! I remember when I was in school how strange it was to see one of my teachers in a restaurant or the grocery store. I tell my students, “I’m human! Treat me like one!” and they do.

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

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Do the very best you can. Don’t take everything so personally. Be polite and respectful to everyone around you. Ask for help! Other people have taught this before- take their stuff and do what you need to so that it’s your own. Be prepared- teach bell to bell- if you finish early, dig up a few tricks to fill the last 5-10-15 minutes. Freerice.com is awesome for that (especially if you have a computer with an LCD projector). Ok, I guess that’s more like 6 things. But they’re all important!

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

I have a Masters of Arts in Teaching. The one thing that really helped me was that I had to construct a scope and sequence for teaching social studies, K-12. It really helped me clarify what I want my students to get out of their education. Sometimes I go back and read it when I get discouraged or mired down in bureaucracy. But as far as skills go, I am convinced that the only thing that can really improve your skills is immersion. Get in the classroom as much as possible.

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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.