7th Grade Teacher: Rachel

Today for a Teacher Talk I have Rachel who is a 7th grade teacher. On Instagram she is known as mrscinthemiddle. I loved her Insta because she always has the coolest reading ideas. She also shares some of her awesome reading boards that would excite any student. In addition, she uses her platform to learn from other teachers and share with her District, how awesome is that! Serious teacher goals right there.

Here is Rachel’s interview:

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

 Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher! I would play “pretend teacher” all the time and LOVED being around kids younger than me. I felt like a big kid when I would pretend to be their teacher! 

2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?

In 6th grade, I had a teacher named Mrs. Isola, and I absolutely loved being in her class. She made social studies fun and interactive, and she cared about getting to know each of her students on a personal level. She’s definitely my inspiration!

3. How long have you been teaching, what do you teach, and what did it take for you to get there?

I just finished my 3 year of teaching, and I teach 7th grade reading and writing. My first two years I taught 4th grade, and this year I’m so glad I made the jump up to middle school! I graduated with my bachelors focusing on interdisciplinary studies and took the Texas certification exams for early childhood-6th grade (all subjects), 4th-8th grade ELA/SS, and my ESL certification. I was told to take as many certification exams as I wanted because it would make it easier to get a job. I’m glad I did! 

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

My go-to tool that I use in my classroom the most is my wireless doorbell. I use it to get student’s attention, and it is a lifesaver!! I teach the routine at the beginning of year, and students know that when they doorbell goes off- they need to stop, look, and listen. It is so much better than trying to yell over them or doing a call & response because sometimes middle schoolers are too cool for that! 

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

I use accommodations daily. Depending on if a students has an accommodation list, or if I see one of them struggling I think of what would work best for them at that time! 

6. I think it's so fun that you teach reading and writing! As a teacher I have to always ask anyone who teaches reading, what do you do to inspire a student if they don't like to read?

I know that there will always be students who don’t like to read, and that’s honestly okay! But- I try my best to get to know them and their interests and work with them to find a “just right books!” Most people who don’t like to read, just haven’t come across a perfect book for them! 

7. Any advice for a new teacher?

My one piece of advice for a new teacher (I actually have a lot haha!) would be use this teacher Instagram community to learn and get ideas. I am honestly so thankful I started this account because I feel like I’ve grown so much in my three years of teaching by learning from other teachers on here! This community has taught me that I’m not alone and there’s always more I could be doing to make sure I’m being efficient and effective in the classroom! 

8. How has it been teaching virtually?

Virtual teaching was honestly pretty easy because my district was able to adapt quickly. We use an online learning platform, Canvas, during the school year so students were familiar with it. Our district instructional coordinator for secondary ELA graciously made lessons each week and shared them with us. I really missed being in the classroom and spending time with my students so that part was hard. My classroom thrives on relationships, so when that was taken away- it was difficult. But we made it through together! 

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 really do hope things change- for the better. If anything, I think people have more respect for teachers knowing how hard it was when we were taken out of the classroom. It was also nice to not have state testing, and our students still learned & teachers still taught! Hopefully there will be a perspective change around testing culture in schools.

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

In 10 years, I hope to be a mom of my own kiddos as well as continue being a classroom teacher! I have considered going back to school to get my masters to become a counselor, but I’m not quite sure I’m ready to leave the classroom. 

Thanks for the interview Rachel!

Happy Teaching :)