4th Grade Teacher: Madalyn Bradburn

1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I've wanted to be a teacher since I was eight years old! I've always gravitated to spending time with my younger cousins and wanting to help take care of them. That love of helping and taking care of children never went away.

2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up (can be good, bad, or both)?

I've had two really amazing elementary school teachers that were so caring and supportive of me. 

My third grade teacher was there for me when my mom decided to go back to work. As an only child, I've always been really close to my mom and that was a really difficult transition for me. My teacher made the extra effort to check on me and send my mom notes home to let her know how I was doing.

My fifth grade teacher was there for me as a child and still is to this day. I was in her class the year of 9/11 and she made my classmates and I feel so safe! The way she explained everything to us inspired me with how I wanted to explain difficult and scary situations to my own students one day. She also has been the only teacher to help me feel successful in math, which was my most difficult subject as a student. She's my Facebook friend now and still shares how proud she is that I became a 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 will be my seventh year teaching, and at the same school, in Southern California. I taught 3rd grade for two years and this will be my fifth year teaching 4th grade.

My goodness, I did not realize what a difficult path it would be to become a teacher! I had five years of college on top of multiple tests: CBEST, CSETS (3 separate tests), RICA, four TPAs (that were at least 40 pages each), and sixteen weeks of student teaching in two different classrooms. After that, I struggled to get hired for a full-time teaching position. It didn't happen right away, but I gained experience as a substitute teacher for the beginning months of the school year. Then, an opening came in November at my favorite school and in my favorite grade! I've been there ever since. I'm definitely familiar with the word "no" and I heard it throughout many interviews that summer, three of which my current principal was in! She said I was really shy, but she felt better when she saw me with students during one of my substitute days.

4. What is your go-to tool you use in the classroom and why?

Last year, it was my doorbell! I had the chime plugged into the wall and the remote attached to my lanyard. I would ring the bell to signal to students that it was time to clean up for the next activity or break time. This is my favorite because it was key in my classroom management plan and I never had to raise my voice for students to be quiet.

5. Is there anything you do to accommodate your students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation?

It definitely depends on what that individual child needs. I've had the special ed cluster for many years and I follow what accommodations are provided to me. This last school year, I had a student who struggled to finish assignments and timed tests. When able, I would give him chunks at a time to complete and reward him when each part was completed. During timed math drills, I would sit with him and have him tell me the answer and I'd write it for him. I think he would have anxiety over time limits. He did so well during distance learning, which proved that he needed to do assignments at his own pace. I'd make these accommodations anytime it was necessary.

6. I saw on your Instagram you have your Masters in Technology, I'm working on mine right now in Special Ed, can you tell me why you chose to do that and any tips for someone who wants to pursue their Masters?

How awesome! Yes, I waited to start my Masters until I was moved off from a Temporary contract during my third year of teaching. This was suggested to me by my coworkers because sometimes districts aren't going to want to pay more for a temporary teacher who has a degree higher than their Bachelors. Another suggestion I'd give is to make sure you have the time to devote to your graduate program because it was HARD balancing that with your normal teaching schedule. I would teach until 3:00 PM and then have class from 5:00-9:00 PM. It was rough, but definitely worth it! My last suggestion would be to choose a degree you actually have an interest in and that you see yourself using one day. I know many people who chose to get an Administrative Masters but never want to be principals. That doesn't seem worth the time and money, but that's just me.

I chose the Educational Technology program because my coworker was in the program and I absolutely loved everything she showed me from her classes. I learned how to make screencasts, podcasts, online courses, and so much more. It really sparked a passion and interest in technology for me, which has now been a huge benefit for distance learning! 

7. Any advice for a new teacher?

New teachers always want to prove themselves, I know I did! I suggest that you don't take on more than you can handle! Don't make all these extra assignments or projects, beyond the district assigned ones, if you don't need to! Otherwise, all your nights and weekends WILL be devoted to grading. It truly is a balance and you don't need to do all these extras to be an awesome teacher. During my first three years of teaching, I would stay until 4-5:00 PM every night! I've learned to leave what I can at school, continue my grading or planning the next day during contract hours, leave at my contract time every day, and give yourself room to breathe. Teacher burnout is real, I've had it! Don't burn yourself out too soon and get a handle on it early.

8. What is your district's plan for going back to school in the fall?

We originally were going to start with the hybrid model, but it has now been decided that we will start 100% virtually. We do not currently have an end date, so I'm not sure how long we will be teaching online. We just found out that teachers can choose their location for virtual teaching, which is so exciting! I've decided to teach two days at home and three days at school because I do enjoy the convenience of being home, but I miss my classroom!

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 would hope so, I really would! We got a glimpse of how appreciative people were for teachers and how much we do for students, but it quickly went away as the new school year drew closer. I don't know if there will be dramatic changes from this pandemic, but I just hope that people can give teachers more grace. We are people too.

10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?

This is a good one, so weird to think I'll be 38! Personally, I would love to be married with a family and in a house instead of still living the apartment life. I'm not sure if I'll still be in California, although it's all I know. My parents and I have toyed with the idea of moving out of state, but nothing is concrete. Professionally, I would love to branch out of the classroom and try more technology-based positions in education. I'm truly content with whatever God's plan for my life is. It could be what a shared here or something completely different! Either way, it will be amazing!