Middle School Teacher: Ms. Bolier

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

I have always wanted to be a teacher! Unless you count the time in first grade when I wrote I wanted to be an ice cream truck driver because I thought that would mean I could have as much ice cream as I wanted... When I was a kid I was that little girl who would play "school" with her younger siblings. I have always been a social person and always loved connecting with other people. I have also always had a desire to help others. Teaching is the perfect career for me. The question was what kind of teacher I wanted to be, but I always felt a pull toward teaching.

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

I was blessed with so many amazing teachers growing up. I loved every one of my elementary school teachers and believe it contributed to my desire to want to be a teacher from a young age. I had some great teachers throughout secondary school as well. I remember I took a communications class in high school from a teacher who really knew how to create a comfortable, inviting classroom environment. We would have the best discussions. I still remember how I felt sitting in her class. I hope to create that same environment in my classroom now.

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 taught for 2 years and absolutely loved it. I teach middle school Family & Consumer Sciences in Utah. This includes teaching child development, interior design, sewing, fashion design, foods/nutrition, and career exploration. It's the BEST! I graduated with my bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and then got hired right out of college. Not every college offers that degree, but in Utah there are two universities that do. There is an alternate route you can take to get your license though. You still need a bachelors degree and then you can get certified in Family and Consumer Sciences Education by taking some extra classes.

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

I use lots of technology tools in the classroom but one of my favorites is Gimkit! I use this for my test reviews. It's both effective and fun for the students!

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

An accommodation I use often is my microphone. I wear a mic everyday because I have multiple students who have hearing aids and wearing a mic helps them to be able to hear me and understand me. 

6. I love your instagram and how well your aesthetic flows, serious teachergram goals! Do you have any advice for a teacher wanting to start an instagram and want it to look as awesome as yours?

My advice to a teacher wanting to start an Teacher Instagram would be to know your WHY. I started my teacher Instagram because I wanted to be able to connect with other teachers. I wanted to share my ideas and to get ideas from other teachers! Whenever I post I ask myself, is this something I would want to know about as a teacher? Remember who your audience is and cater your content to them! I hope to always post things that are either helpful, uplifting, or inspiring. As far as creating an aesthetically pleasing feed... just edit all your photos the same! You don't have to spend hours editing pictures though, there are lots of Lightroom presets you can get and they allow you to edit your photos with one click every time!

7. Any advice for a new teacher?

My advice to new teachers would be to BE YOURSELF! Your students will see right through you if you try to be someone you're not. Allow them to see your personality and allow them to get to know you. I would also say to ASK QUESTIONS. Do not be afraid to ask questions! There will be so many questions! Nothing can fully prepare you for full time teaching until you're doing it, so find someone who you feel comfortable with asking questions. The last thing I would say is to remember to keep a BALANCE in your life. This is a lot easier said than done, but really try to not let work take over your whole life. Make time to take care of yourself socially, emotionally, and physically. Make time to spend time with family and friends. Try to leave work at school. Remember that not everything has to be perfect. It's your first year--everything is not going to be perfect, and that's okay.

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

My district is currently face-to-face in person full time! We all wear masks and we have a modified schedule where our days are shorter but we still go in person 5 days a week. Students had the option to do online school instead and some students chose to do a hybrid option. Most of my students are full time in person but I do have a couple students who are taking my classes online so it kind of feels as if I am teaching both in person and online! We have been told to be ready to shift to either a blended model or a 100% online model of instruction at any time.

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 that after the pandemic there could definitely be changes in education. We have all been forced to do things really differently really fast. That doesn't typically happen in education. I think that if nothing else, teachers have learned a lot of new skills and tools and will continue to use them to benefit their classroom.

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

In ten years I see myself still happily married, I see myself as a mom to a few kids, and I see myself still teaching or contributing to the teacher world in some way. I am so passionate about teaching and love what I do!

Thanks so much Ms. Bolier!

Happy Teaching :)