Kindergarten Teacher: Miss Garcia
Hey Everyone! Today I have Miss Garcia from misstexas_teachingadventures. She has been a major inspiration to me and my classroom over the past few months and always has awesome teacher tips, resources, and style to share. Here is her interview:
1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Initially growing up, I thought I was going to be Selena. “ Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” yup, that Selena and not like her, but actually Selena Quintanilla. At recess, I would pretend to hold a microphone in my hand as my childhood friends would gather around the foursquare and belt out her songs trying to mimic her dance moves. Now that was early childhood. Around the age of 10, that's when things started to change and my outlook on what I truly wanted to be came about. My calling for teaching hit me in the fourth grade and my desire to teach never waivered front hat point on.
2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?
Mrs. Ramos was my fourth grade teacher. She was and has ever since been, the most magnificent and influential teacher that I have ever had. I vividly remember her being energetic, funny, and loving to all of her students. She effortlessly made our classroom feel like home. Not only was she my fourth grade teacher, she was also my fifth grade teacher. As I continued my education, Mrs. Ramos was someone I frequently visited and looked to for advice.As i began my teaching experience, I was first a certified substitute.I remember being able to sub for her class and thinking wow this is a full circle moment. Now retired, she’s still a very important person in my life some 20 years later and someone I make sure to send my holiday cards to!
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?
2020 will be my 10th year of teaching in the state of Texas. When I first received my degree in 2010, the city I lived in had a hire freeze in the district. No one was hiring for teaching positions at that time in the public school setting.I started my teaching career as a certified substitute taking on long term sub positions. I did this for about 8 months before getting my first teaching position, My first two years of teaching was actually in a private school as a pre-k teacher. While I taught pre-k, I continued to work on my Master’s Degree in Education. After receiving my Masters Degree in 2012, I transitioned into public school as a kindergarten teacher. This will be my 8th year in kindergarten.
4. What is your go-to tool you use in the classroom and why?
Glue sticks. Glue sticks are essential! It's so silly but I’m always depleted of glue sticks before the first 6 weeks is up. I use them for all content areas: stations- poetry notebook, pocket chart, sight word building, science notebooks, math notebook, & crafts. It's a game changer for minimizing ooozy gooey liquid glue all over the table and pages getting stuck together. If there is one thing I am constantly on the hunt for, it’s glue stick donations.
On a teacher note, I love my doorbell! It comes with so many different rings and seasonal tones. I use the doorbell for transitioning between stations and as a clean up cue. The kids know exactly what to do when they hear the chimes and I don't have to say a word. They begin to clean up and come to the carpet for whole group.
5. Is there anything you do to accommodate your students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation?
Accommodations are key for any classroom. A lot of times, we are already accommodating without realizing it because it's in our nature to teach in a way that students will understand. One year, I had to use a calm down bin for behavior and It worked wonders. Another year, I had to use visual cues for students with special needs. Every year, I reflect on my practice and try to improve in my delivery and instruction. Whether that means including more visuals one year or more print features the next. Some years, my kids want to learn with music and some years my kids just want to learn through read alouds. It’s all about getting to know your kids first. Once you build relationships, learning can take place.
6. I love your instagram and saw you have your amazon wish list posted. I personally am always unsure of how to go about asking for donations for my classroom, any tips (because any donation helps us teachers but it can be super uncomfortable)?
When I first started my Amazon Wishlist, it was a true cry for help. Through my years of teaching I have spent thousands of dollars out of pocket to buy things for my class and my students. The wishlist was a come to terms moment when I realized I couldn't do this on my own anymore. I needed help. I wanted my community to be a part of the learning that was taking place in my classroom. It was an opportunity for others to make a direct impact in the lives of my students. The call for help was answered with an overflow of donations and I had so many incredible families, friends, and strangers who wanted to be a part of the journey. What would have taken another 10 years to compile on my own, I received in one summer by selfless acts of kindness. And now I'll be able to teach my students for years to come!
7. Any advice for a new teacher?
We have all felt what you are feeling. We have all been first year teachers and in 2020, we are all first year teachers yet again. No college course prepared me for the role I now have as an educator. I am learning day by day, week by week, how to evolve and grow. For new and old, we must all share our ideas, ask for help, and know that we are giving our best everyday.
What I have learned after years of trying to do it all, is that it's okay to not be perfect. It's okay to ask for help. My biggest piece of advice is to ask for help and seek workshops that will build your teacher toolbox. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my teaching style. I bookmark, save, and pin every teaching idea I think might work for me. Don’t be afraid to try, if you fail (you’re kids have no idea) you can always try again or try something else. If it works, JACKPOT! Sometimes the kids know you failed but that can be a great teaching piece too!
8. What is your district's plan for going back to school in the fall?
We have currently started our 2020-2021 school year. At the beginning of July, the plan was to begin with virtual instruction through the Labor Day weekend. Upon returning, the district would offer both face to face and remote learning options to families. Our district is leaving the choice up to the parents to decide before the beginning of each grading period. They can choose to return for that grading period or if COVID numbers increase, switch back to remote learning.
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?
My hope is that we can evolve in how we present our teaching and find ways to make learning fun in this new world of schooling. I can already see how educators have risen to the challenge, inventing ways to make virtual learning interactive and fun for kids. My hope is that our kids find a love of using technology beyond more than just gaming and youtube. I hope to hear conversations of how they are creating and designing using technology.
10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
Well to be quite honest, when I first started teaching I told myself I'd teach for 10 years and then try something outside of the classroom. After 10 years, I still feel like a new teacher. I still feel like I have so much more personal and professional opportunities to grow and I’m not ready to leave the inside of those four walls just yet. There are still so many students I have yet to meet and lives I have yet to touch. So I think I’ll stay a bit longer. I hope in another 10 years I feel like I've gained enough knowledge in the classroom to work for the district as a leader. I would like the opportunity to lead future educators in my district
Thanks so much for the interview Miss. Garcia!
Happy Teaching!