Grades K-2: Tracy

For those who have followed me for some time you may know that I am utterly obsessed with visuals for my classroom. When I saw Simply_Visual_TPT by Tracy , I knew I needed to interview her because she is complete special ed. goals for me! Her teachers pay teachers has the most amazing resources to use for those students who may need some extra help.

Here is Tracy’s interview:

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

Honestly, I think I always wanted to be a teacher. There were times I said a dentist or an accountant but I always went back to wanting to work with children. I would play "school" growing and I was always babysitting.

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)?

Mrs. A was my favorite teacher and I was lucky to have her for two years--2nd grade and 4th grade. She treated every student with respect and had a good relationship with all of her students. She saw the best in everyone!

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 been teaching for 23 years now and have been at the same school in Chicago, Illinois for 21 years. I moved to Chicago without a teaching position so I was a substitute teacher. I had my Early Childhood certificate in general education but one day I was asked to be the substitute teacher in a self-contained special education classroom. It was my first time working in a special education classroom and I knew right away it was where I belonged. They hired me as a long-term substitute in a self-contained special education classroom while I went back to school to get my certificate.

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

Visuals, visuals, visuals!

5. Do you have an accommodation you would recommend for teachers to help reach the needs of all students?

I think all students could benefit from help with organizational skills and using checklists and to-do lists.

6. I absolutely love all your visuals, do you make them or have a resource you like to use to find all of your pictures?

I use Boardmaker visuals to make the majority of my resources. There are times, though, that I need to use real photos for some students. I try to keep everything that I make simple.

7. Any advice for a new teacher?

I would suggest a mentor if you're a new teacher and to find time to observe others that teach the same population. Also, I would say work hard to build positive relationships with everyone...coworkers, students and parents. Positive relationships are key to a successful classroom.

8. What is your district's plan for this year?

Our district is currently remote learning for the first quarter. I'm still waiting to hear what we will be doing the rest of the school year.

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'm sure there are going to be changes in education and I hope we see some positive changes. I think all teachers and students will increase their knowledge with technological and digital skills. However, I hope we all remember that nothing can replace in-person learning, especially with the supports needed for students with special needs.

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

In ten years, I see myself still making resources for other teachers. I'm not sure if I will still be in the classroom but I don't see myself leaving anytime soon. But in ten years, I'll be 56 so it's hard to say now. I do have my degree in administration so that's an option but right now, I still enjoy working with children.

Thanks for the interview Tracy!

Happy Teaching!