3rd Grade Teacher: Melissa Thomas
Today for Teacher Interview Thursday I have Melissa Thomas, also known as Teaching with Melly! Melissa is truly goals of what a teachegram is for. I actually went back to see when we first connected on Instagram and it all started July 7th when we first started connecting through direct message. Here and there we support each other and ask questions for when we want to know, “how did you do that”. In my opinion this is the WHY behind teachergrams. To support, learn, and grow as a community. I have truly cherished our kind and supportive messages with each other and am excited to share all about Melissa:
1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
To be completely honest, I did have any idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up. It wasn't until I worked for a finance company I knew I needed to go to college. I thought I would have stayed in finance forever.
2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?
Yes, the moment that I hold to this day is my 2nd-grade teacher Mrs. Holland. It was in 1987 when we still had the pizza hut book it coupons. I wanted to earn that so bad because growing up; we could not afford things like pizza. I read all of my books and turned in my log. My teacher made me bring the books to school because she did not believe we could afford them. She also did not think that I read all of them. I had a passion for reading and always was a fast reader.
3. How long have you been teaching, what state do you teach in, what do you teach, and what did it take for you to get there?
I have been teaching for 8 years. I am located in the state of texas. I teach 3rd grade all subjects. I was an instructional assistant and a substitute while I finished college. I also learned so much on how to be a teacher from the different classes I subbed in.
4. What is your go-to tool you use in the classroom (virtual or physical) and why?
My go-to tool is my black dry erase markers and my notebooks. I love to model everything I do.
5. Is there anything you do to accommodate your students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation?
Over the years, regardless of the type of class I have (inclusion, Gifted and Talented), I find it helpful to meet my students where they are. If I have to give individual tutoring or to teach something differently, then I will. My instruction is not a one size fits all. I adjust based on the needs of my students.
6. I love your instagram and saw you have the Wacom pen, can you explain to everyone how you use it and if you like it?
Ok, the Wacom pen is a must for me. I bought it when COVID first started. I used it in my zoom sessions. I now use it when I record lessons for my class and team. It makes it so easy to write on things in PowerPoint. It works in any document that has an annotation feature. I take it with me to school now; I use it during live and virtual instruction. I absolutely love it!!!
7. Any advice for a new teacher?
Being a new teacher during COVID can be difficult. I have three new teachers on my team, and I know that is a lot. Not only are you learning to teach, but you are also learning how to teach on an entirely new platform. My advice is... know that your very best is good enough. Don't ever feel as if you must have or do what other experienced teachers are doing. It can be overwhelming. I've learned not to throw too much at the new teachers because it can cause pressure to try to keep up. Enjoy your first year, and learn as much as possible.
8. What is your district's plan for going back to school this fall?
Our district started school on August 17th; the intent was to be face to face; however, with the rise of COVID cases, we were virtual for the first three weeks. However, we had to pivot and start school in person a week earlier. Currently, we are teaching virtual and face to face.
9. A lot of people have been saying they hope things start to change in education since this Pandemic, do you think anything will change from it?
I think teaching will never be the same. Now is the time to be flexible and learn as much about technology as possible. It will be the way of the future. To keep up and be effective for all learners, we MUST adjust our thinking and how we provide instruction.
10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself as an assistant principal or in an administration role in my district.
Thanks for the interview Melissa!
Happy Teaching :)