Lessons from the Field: Interview with Miss Fletcher

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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Miss Fletcher teaches 6th grade English, history and yearbook at Carnegie Middle School in Carson, CA. She’s currently in her “fifth glorious year of teaching.”

Below is our interview with her:

What inspired you to teach?

I’ve always liked kids and school. But I think I became sure during college when I actually got to assist in a classroom. I was helping kids with fractions (and math is not my strong suit) and it was the student’s “a-ha moment” that made me excited to do that everyday.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?
Positive affirmations of success. I am constantly affirming what the kids are doing well and recognizing positive actions over negative ones. That promotes a positive class atmosphere where kids can succeed. I also think that especially for middle school students, it’s important to break the goals down into smaller parts. They have trouble taking the big picture and making it happen, so smaller goals are better for them.

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

That everyone has a rough first year. I am an overachiever and I somehow thought mine would be different. It wasn’t. I also wish I’d listened when people told me how strict to be, but I think that’s something you have to learn by experience. Last, I wish I had taken more time to observe veteran teachers at my school to see how it’s done.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

I think my Master’s degree got me thinking about educational leadership and helped motivate me to get involved in other areas at my school. This makes me more connected to what is going on and makes me enjoy seeing the whole school thrive, not just my own classroom.

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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.