I'm singing, "It's Wednesday night, #MakeItReal chat night, and I'm singing!" (use the tune from that part of Elf where he's in a store and he's singing...)
A1: My first degree is in Business Administration with Accounting. I loved math, thought I wanted to make a lot of money, found out that is NOT what makes me happy. I love helping people and I loved tutoring my peers in math- So I took a chance on education! #makeitreal
A1:In HS I built an "I suck at math" wall -it NEVER came easy to me- in college rem. classes I fixed my foundations &challenged myself&persevered, eventually gaining confidence to major in math; I realized my purpose in life was to help others knock down their "wall." #MakeItReal
A1: My dad was a teacher and he was home for us. That meant a lot and I wanted that for my fam. Then one day in HS a kid asked me for math help and it all came together for me. #makeitreal
A1: Honestly? I wanted to make a difference. Plain and simple. I truly believe that I am each and everyday. I may be the only ray of sunshine some of my students see. #MakeITReal#instantrelevance
#MakeitReal A1 I think it just made sense to me. I love learning and I have loved so many of my teachers, except maybe Mr. C, who literally called me @MathDenisNJ 's little brother my entire 7th grade year...but even he had his moments.
A1. I had a great experience with school (especially band). I want other kids to have that experience. It made a huge difference in my life. But I do have some big shoes to fill. But I'm trying every day. #MakeItReal
Ah yes...so many of us became teachers just to get permission to do things in classrooms :) You know, you can drink soda virtually anywhere when you're an adult :) #makeitreal
I worked in IT Security for a big bank before teaching. I wanted to do something for a living that I could be proud of, so I did the whole career change thing and 10 years later I never regret it for a second. #MakeItReal
#MakeItReal A1) originally was good at math, teaching came naturally, wanted summer off. But I stay a teacher because I love the interactions with my students and I think MS math is important in the growth of Ss
UGH! I hated working in business and accounting. I think I probably would have enjoyed the marketing side of it if I had gone that route. But my first couple of jobs in business just left me feeling very unimpressed. #makeitreal
A1: Came to the realization my third year. I teach because I want to be the teacher I wished I had as kid. I wish someone had stopped the bullying, or at least stood up for me. I wish someone had asked me how I was doing caring for mom who was bedridden. #MakeITReal
A1 To be the difference in a child's life, help them learn how they learn best. I wanted (still want) to be someone they remember who believes in them. It's important that every child has at least one adult they remember who never gave up on them. #makeitreal
A1: Why did I become a T? True story: Swore I'd never be a T. My parents were Ts, & Dad thought a BS in Ed Eng would be better than BA for me=options. Went that route, had a teaching position open in October, took it, and bam! I was home. #MakeItReal
A1: Ever since I was a little girl playing with dolls as my Ss, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to work with kids and have an impact on their lives, I wanted to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. #MakeItReal#LoveLiteracyLearning
A1: my first career out of college wasn't cutting it. Did not feel like I was making any impact on the 🌎. Needed to make a difference. Decided to become a teacher. #MakeItReal#4OCF
A1. I had a mentor at the local college. I went to him one day and said, “Cluster… I’m not sure if Business is for me. I’m thinking about going into Nursing.” He said, “Why?” I replied with, “I want to help.” He pointed me in the direction of tutoring/teaching. #makeitreal
A1: I grew up in schools since my parents taught. I saw the power teachers had to make a difference and impact lives. I learned very quickly that teaching was in my DNA. Failed miserably when I fought against my calling. #MakeItReal
A1 I worked in IT Security for a big bank before teaching. I wanted to do something for a living that I could be proud of, so I did the whole career change thing and 10 years later I never regret it for a second. #MakeItReal
A1: I always respected my parents, mom was a teacher, dad was an administrator. I wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives like my teachers did for me. Fortunate to have found a career that brings me joy every day. #makeitreal
A1) I am one of those people that just always naturally wanted to be teacher! I would make my little sister and cousins sit through my “lessons” and I gave them work, that I of course “graded” 🤗 #MakeItReal
I realized right out of college that I should have been an Education major. We have an alternate route program that enabled me to teach and get my certification at the same time. I taught Business Education (Accounting, Law and Finance) It was perfect! #makeitreal
A2: This job is difficult. There are days were I leave feeling defeated and overwhelmed. BUT I know that I can make a difference in the lives of kids, impact the future, and I enjoy the daily challenges. I put my heart and soul into this job because I love it. #makeitreal
1) Senior year, it was either nursing or teaching. I couldn't decide. After praying about it for legit months, I got a full ride scholarship to the school that had a teaching program, not nursing. Took that as a pretty good God sign. (Plus lots of awesome Ts). #MakeitReal
#MakeitReal A2 because every year a child gets excited about something because of me. Whether it be reading, watching a mealworms transform into beetles, or catching quarters from your elbow, a fire gets lit.
A2: I know that I could make a lot more $$ w/ a degree in math somewhere else, &I could probably also find a job less emotionally/physically demanding..
but I continue to teach because I know that I'm making a difference - they need me &what I have to give is unique. #MakeItReal
#makeitreal A2) although day in day put is really challenging, I know I make school enjoyable for most students. There are also those handful of moments each year that teachers have that other professions don't.
A2: While there are days where I am down and feel like quitting, I can't. I love it. Love it. Love it. This is where I'm meant to be. It fits. It's me. I'm a teacher. #MakeItReal
A2: When I see the "fruit" of the effort, it reminds me that my words and deeds are having an impact. Some days I wonder, but when kids come back from high school and college to let me know how they are better because what I have said or done, it stirs my heart again. #MakeItReal
A2: There aren’t very many jobs out there where you get to act crazy and ridiculous all day and people think your awesome. Middle school math teacher just happens to be one of them. Oh, and working with other teachers kicks ass. They’re the best. #MakeItReal
A2: Every single day is different and new, I am pushed and challenged, I get to dance, to love and be loved, to share ideas and stories, have new ideas and stories shared with me, I get to watch brains fire up and reconfigure and help kids problem solve & much more #makeitreal
That's awesome! I had some really great teachers, but also some who made myself & others feel awful. Because of that I never imagined myself being in the classroom until I realized the difference I could make! Wanted to ensure every child felt embraced & successful. #MakeItReal
A2) I love the innocent and sweet minds and souls of children. They are so inspiring and being around them and hearing their ideas is simply amazing. Also, I’m sure every teacher lives for the “lightblub” moments. I also adore watching Ss be kind to one another. #MakeItReal
A2: Ss now more than ever need Ts that see them as ppl, that truly care about them. So many ppl get caught up in grading, edtech, and content that they forget about the kids. Ss need mentoring and a listening ear. That’s what I do. #MakeITReal
A2: Even though I made the jump to administration, I am still a teacher. The opportunity to help staff and students grow and to see the "lightbulb moments" happen makes everything worth it! #makeitreal
My dream is to give my students everything that I wanted when I was their age: The right to feel loved, appreciated, seen and heard. Some things never change or go out of style. #MakeItReal
#MakeItReal A1 I wanted to become a teacher to help students that struggled find ways to make learning easier for them. What I didn’t realize, as a very young teacher, was that my students would teach me so much more than I teach them!
A2
I love to teach so I can help students THRIVE:
I like to intentionally design learning experiences to provide a:
T thoughtful
H honest
I inspiring
V valuable
E education
for all my students💚‼️✏️
#makeitreal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
A2: When I ask kids at the end of the day, "How was your day?" And they respond with "Great! How was yours?" Education is the greatest profession in the world. #4OCF#MakeItReal
So I can be a voice for the voiceless , a change agent that works in the trenches & enjoys and relishes all that this noble profession has to offer! Always a teacher ❤️
A2: I love instilling a love for learning and building relationships with Ss. I love when Ss know I will be there to help them through all the tough times & I’ll never give up on them. I love having fun & being silly with my kiddos. #MakeItReal
A2: There’s nothing else I’d rather be. All of the smiles, laughs, a-ha moments outweigh all of the tears, frustrations, disappointments. I can’t imagine being anything else- a teacher is what I was BORN to be! #MakeitReal#LoveLiteracyLearning
A2 We have a ripple effect that is greater than any one of us can ever imagine. Observing growth in learning & confidence develop is incredible! Favorite is fostering empowerment, identifying passions. We're impacting individuals, families, communities and the future! #makeitreal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
A3: I hope future-me can say, "I'm proud of my career as a teacher because I know I have given my best to every student - I have given each of them the tools to knock down their "wall" - and I have taught every student we all have something special to give.
#MakeItReal
3) I was true to myself & to my students. While they were in my room, they knew they were loved and that I was their cheerleader. That even in the midst of difficulties, I never gave up. #MakeItReal
A3: Because I made a difference in the lives of kids. I helped them learn content by making it relevant to them but I also was able to build connections with my Ss. I wasn’t just a teacher, I was a mentor. I pushed them to believe in themselves and to take challenges. #MakeItReal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
A3: I’m proud of my career as a teacher because every day I went to work and I gave my all to help other people. Not everyone can say that about their career, I think. #MakeItReal
#makeitreal A3) I taught my SS about math, life, and overcoming adversity. We always enjoyed and respected each other, we we're always ourselves, and we always laughed
#MakeItReal A3 as a veteran teacher with many years, this hits home! I’m proud of my career as a teacher because I helped to shape young people into the best versions of themselves that they could be.
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
A3 I empowered, influenced, fostered growth-mindset and supported every learner to identify their strengths & passions. Ultimately, as teachers, we change lives and help make what seems impossible become possible. #makeitreal
A3 I made a difference. I was there everyday, I was a constant for those whose lives were so inconsistent. I inspired Ss to continue on the path of learning long after they left my classroom! #makeitreal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
A3) I would hope to leave a legacy of kindness, caring, and compassion. Without these things, learning cannot happen. Children need to feel safe in order to learn and grow. Teachers must know that building a warm classroom environment is essential to student success! #MakeItReal
A3: ...my Ss knew I loved them and they trusted I would keep them safe at school. I have great relationships with my Ss and have given them opportunities they will never forget. #MakeItReal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
These answers to Q3 are what make the teaching profession noble. You're stating what love, compassion, caring, selflessness and goodness really are. This is #whyiteach. #makeitreal
A3: I NEVER gave up no matter what. I tried my best and gave it my all. I believed in my kids and made them believe in themselves! Everything that I did was WORTH it!#MakeItReal#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3~I made a positive difference in the life of a child by always developing authentic relationships that put them first . No ifs, ands, but’s about it! #MakeItReal
Q3: When you’re retired and no longer in a school, how do you hope to finish this sentence? “I’m proud of my career as a teacher because ____________” #MakeItReal
Thanks for an awesome chat tonight, @MathDenisNJ ! Needed the pickmeup that you're insights and crew provide! Have a great rest of your week, #MakeItReal peeps!
A2
I love to teach so I can help students THRIVE:
I like to intentionally design learning experiences to provide a:
T thoughtful
H honest
I inspiring
V valuable
E education
for all my students💚‼️✏️
#makeitreal
A1~inspired, empowered by so many educators in my early school life and the difference they made in my life academically, socially and relationship wise was something I always wanted to replicate & give the same & more to others 👍#MakeItReal
Great #makeitreal chat tonight! Thank you @MathDenisNJ and for all educators for making a difference in the lives of your students. The future is depending on us. A few words from a master teacher........
A1 I had this 3rd grade T who was student centered, flexible seating, and all things that are great in education in a time when everyone else sat in desks in rows and worked in workbooks! She was amazing and I have known since then about 30 years ago #MakeItReal
A2 I’m still a teacher bc everyday there is a new discovery I make, a new connection to form, a mistake that I haven’t learned from, and a friendship that I haven’t strengthened #champforkids#MakeItReal
