Substitute Educational Assistant: Kayla
I’m so excited to share with everyone today’s teacher interview with Kayla from @Miss.Kayla’sStarStudents . She is a person who truly is here for the kids. Not only does she sub, but she started her on tutoring company! That is some awesome teacher goals right there.
Read it all for yourself below:
1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a pediatric nurse in a children's hospital. Although once I found out that I had to give needles, this option was out.
Then I thought, why not a teacher who works in the children's hospital school?
The reason I thought of working in the children's hospital school is because when I was younger the children's hospital was my second home with all my medical situations, I was in and out a lot.
2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up ?
I do not have a specific moment with a teacher, although I do have two teachers that I remember that taught me a lot.
The first teacher is Mrs. Harding, she taught me during grade 3. She was the first teacher to greet me when we were looking for a new school. Her friendly and kind smile was always around, even when our class was not being the best.
The second is Mr. Hauber, he was awesome by bringing the fun into teaching. For example, he would read a novel with theatrical voices and gestures allowing us to be pulled into the story.
Both Mrs. Harding and Mr. Hauber showed us all kindness in their actions and words. They both would take the time out of their days to help their students when they were stuck on a subject. They also would take the time to just talk to their students about their day and interests.
As I'm helping in the schools, I use their kind gestures of listening to the students about their day and take the time to learn about the students interests in that moment.
3. How long have you been subbing, what do you like to sub, and what did it take for you to get there?
I have been an Substitute Educational Assistant for 8 years. As I sub in each different school, I enjoy learning the different atmospheres of each school. This helps you know which school fits you the best. I also enjoy getting to know each student and staff because I love to learn from others as it helps you grow as an individual.
Although I enjoy being a substitute, I pray that one day to have the honor of a contract, whether it is full or half time. I would be grateful for either opportunity.
To get on the substitute list,for myself, I studied at the local community college (SIAST) for my Educational Assistant certificate. Then I applied at both the public and Catholic school division. I am hired by the public school division in my city, which I love!
4. What is your go-to tool you use in the classroom and why?
My go to tool in the classroom, this was a hard one to pick. I would have to say your intuition because you never know what the day will bring. It could be a calm day with no bumps in the road where you stay in the classroom or it could be a day where you are running down the halls trying to encourage a student to come back into the classroom. Whichever type of day it is, it is important to follow your gut and help things run smoothly.
5. Is there anything you do to accommodate students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation when you sub?
When subbing, I always use my calm nature because you are not always familiar with the student. Even when you are familiar with a student, being there is still a change in their routine which can make their day harder.
6. I know you are subbing for teacher assistants, what inspired you to do this and have an instagram all about it?
My Instagram is many items in one, for instance it is to help promote my tutoring business (Miss.Kayla's Star Students),promote my Teachers Pay Teachers store and being an Educational Assistant.
Although the two most important reasons are to learn from other teachers around the world and see what techniques they are using in the classroom to help their students learn and grow.
The other is to spread kindness with the quotes during this pandemic and after the pandemic because sometimes in the education field we become the hardest judge to ourselves and we all need a little encouragement to get through those tough days.
7. Any advice for a new sub?
My advice to a new substitute for either a Educational Assistant or Teacher is to enjoy every moment and grow with every moment. Whether it is a bad day or a good day, there is always something wonderful in that day that will teach you in your journey.
8. How has it been teaching virtually, have you had to teach anything virtually or what has happened with your job since COVID?
Since COVID 19, I am on Employment Insurance and not able to help teach virtually. This has been tough because I love going in and seeing the smiles of the students, whether I know them super well or am just meeting them for the first time. I also miss the interaction and atmosphere of the staff rooms with all the staff laughing at their daily stories or just talking about their weekend plans.
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 am not sure what is going to happen after this pandemic, it is very important to remember to not panic and go with the flow because we are all learning the new routines (if any).
10. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I would love to see myself in the classroom on a part time/job share contract of being of Educational Assistant or a Teacher. I also want to continue my tutoring business (Miss.Kayla`s Star Students).
Thanks so much Kayla!
Happy Teaching :)