3rd Grade Teacher: Morgan Mchugh
Happy Sunday!
Today for Teacher Talk I have Morgan from Clover and Compass on Instagram! Morgan is the epitome of self care in and outside of the classroom from learning to fill her own cup first and emphasizing the importance of SEL and ensuring her students all feel loved and heard. I am so excited to share this interview with Morgan:
1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I always pictured myself doing many things as a “grown-up”. An esthetician, flight attendant, or teacher were some of the options on my list. Something that my parents taught me is that you can have many callings in life and don’t need to decide on one thing to pursue! You can be a/an ________ and still do XYZ. Whether that is creating, coaching, growing a family, or working in another area that isn't education.
2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?
Of course, I remember the teachers who made school fun for me. The projects, parties, clubs, and memorable activities always stick out and are things that I try to do for my own students. I had some difficulty in school learning and making friends. I remember in high school I loved and trusted two of my teachers so much that I would go to their classrooms every day and each lunch with them. Looking back, I can now see how much of their personal time they gave up by talking with me about my day.
3. How long have you been teaching, what country/state do you teach in, what do you teach, and what did it take for you to get there?
This is my fourth year of teaching which is so crazy to think about! I have previously taught first grade and this is my second year teaching third grade. I grew up in the Chicagoland suburbs and actually currently teach in my hometown. I graduated from Carroll University, which is in Wisconsin, in 2016 with certifications in both Elementary Ed. and Special Ed. (K-8) and interviewed for jobs in Wisconsin the summer after I graduated. Interviewing at multiple schools was a great experience, but I didn’t leave any of the interviews with a sense of reassurance of “this school is a good fit for me”. I ended up turning down a few job offers and moved home to my hometown. I was a substitute teacher, swim coach, and 1:1 sped aide prior to accepting my full-time teaching position. I even went through a period in time where I thought that teaching in a hospital setting or working as a Child Life Specialist was a better fit for me professionally. Eventually, I realized that the classroom is where I belong!
4. What is the go-to tool you use in the classroom and why?
This is a tough one…I love technology and utilize many tools that are my saving grace each day. My remote control clicker or presenter tool has been my favorite lately. I use it to click through slide shows on Google slides. This helps me stay mobile around the room during whole group lessons and not feel planted behind my computer.
5. Every teacher has something they are passionate about changing in education, what do you hope to change as a teacher?
There are many things I am passionate about. Although, I am most passionate about my classroom feeling like home. I want all of my students to feel like they're walking in the front door of their house when coming to school. I tell my students how much I love them every day. It is important to me that they know how much I care about them
6. I love your teacher style and see that you are a Poshmark ambassador, how cool! Can you explain what that looks like for other teachers who are into fashion also?
Poshmark has been a saving grace for me! I discovered it in 2014 while I was still in college. I was tired of dragging clothes to Plato’s Closet and not getting any offers for my items. I listed a few items on Poshmark and the process was so easy. I was able to switch out my wardrobe staples every season and I was hooked! It is a great place to search for new items with the tags still attached and save money!
7. Any advice for a new teacher you wish you had known for their first day of work?
This is kind of a cliche answer, but don’t compare yourself. It is easy to look at other teachers' classrooms, teaching styles, or strengths and speak less of yourself. Especially with social media and the many amazing teachers who are sharing their lives and resources! Remember that there is no one else like you out there. YOU yourself are an amazing teacher and you know your students best. Teaching is not a picture-perfect profession.
8. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a teacher?
Saying no. I love being involved and tend to want to participate in so many school-related opportunities or even activities in my personal life/ As great as it is to say yes and participate, you also need to ensure that you are not spreading yourself too thin. Take time to rest! Whether that is staying in on a Friday night to relax or read or scheduling yourself a workout class on the weekend to burn off some steam. It is okay to put yourself first! REMEMBER you can’t pour into others unless you pour into yourself too.
9. A lot of people have been saying they hope things start to change in education since the Pandemic, what is one thing about the school system you hope changes?
Because of the pandemic, there has been a larger emphasis on how essential SEL skills are. Many of our kids have lost a lot of time with peers. Working with others, politeness, communication, empathy are all key skills that come to mind. Pandemic or not, there are many valuable life skills and lessons that should be incorporated into our daily teaching.
10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I definitely see myself still contributing to education and teaching in some way or another. :-) I try to not put a lot of stress on myself and just enjoy the present!
Thank you so much Morgan and Happy Teaching Everyone!