3rd Grade Teacher: Morgan Ostrander
Today I have first year teacher Morgan Ostrander. I personally know Morgan because I worked with her Mom last year and would see her from time to time subbing so it was so much fun to read the answers of someone I’ve actually met in person (LOL). Here is Morgan’s interview:
1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was growing up I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, but my extreme fear of needles got in the way of that. Everything changed when I was hired at a private Christian preschool when I was 19. From then on I knew that there was no going back, working with children was what I was meant to do.
2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?
One moment that sticks out to me is when I was a teacher’s aid my senior year of high school. I was placed with an amazing 3rd grade teacher who had such a fun and positive classroom environment. She allowed me to run a small group and let me play an active role in her classroom. On my last day with her she told me, “If you change your mind about becoming a nurse, I think you would make the most amazing teacher.”
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?
This is my first year teaching! And wow, it has definitely been an adventure. I am a 3rd grade teacher at a small country school in California. It took me 5.5 years to finish school completely, and I received my B.A and teaching credential through CSU Stanislaus. I was able to complete a CSET waiver through my undergrad coursework, and had to take and pass the RICA and TPA’s.
4. What is your go-to tool you use for your class and why?
My go-to class tool is Class Dojo. I love that I can be specific when giving Dojo’s and have the option of giving feedback. At the end of the week, I reset their bubbles and let them cash in their dojo’s at our class dojo store. But class dojo is so much more than just a class reward system! I also use the timer, random selection, and focus music.
5. Is there anything you do to accommodate your students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation?
I use small groups daily to accommodate my students. I like being able to work with my groups on the specific skills that they need, and can easily see what concepts need to be retaught. Due to my school's current hybrid model, my class sizes are small and I usually have about 2 students in each group which means I can really individualize the lessons!
6. I know it's your first year teaching (YAY!), what do you wish someone would have told you before you began teaching?
I wish someone would have told me how emotional teaching could be! This has been such a difficult year for everyone. Teacher’s become so invested in their students, but now we are trying to care for them and reach them from afar.
7. Is there something you wish someone had told you before you started school for your teaching credential?
Oh my gosh, so many observation hours! HAHA. A lot of work, but worth it!
8. What does your district's plan look like for teaching?
As of right now my district is following a hybrid model. I have one cohort of students on Mondays and Thursdays, and the second cohort on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays are for small group Zoom’s and support for my R.I.S.E (independent studies) students. It’s definitely not the most ideal situation but i’ll take it. I love being able to see each group of students two days a week! Plus, I only have 8 students each day so we have all really bonded.
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 hope so! I think people are beginning to realize the important role teachers play in the lives of students, and the role physically attending school has on the students all around well-being.
10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I definitely plan on furthering my education, but in 10 years I still see myself in the classroom. I can’t picture myself doing anything else. I have the most rewarding and important job!
Thanks so much for the interview Morgan!
Happy Teaching :)