Teacher in School: Jillian
Today for a Teacher Interview I have future teacher Jillian, from Pocket.Full.Of.Progress. I met Jillian through Insta on a teacher hype group that we are apart of and love her enthusiasm for all things teaching. She isn’t even in the classroom yet and her passion pops off her Instagram page and makes any teacher want to strive to do better. Isn’t that why we have teacher instagrams? I know I have mine to help me when I am feeling burnt out and to help keep excited and creative. Jillian’s Instagram does that and more! Her passion is contagious and so is her interview:
1. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was growing up, I think I first wanted to be “curly haired” parlor girl i.e. being a hairdresser! Then many dreams later I wanted to be music teacher! However, I discovered I just loved music, not so much teaching it. I was in a rutt, I had no idea what to major in college, and I was beyond frustrated. My advisor told me I needed a home-ec credit to graduate, so I was able to take our schools preschool class. This is where I fell in love with teaching. I fell in love with silly three year olds, lessons about butterflies, sniffles, laughs, and hugs. I wouldn’t go back, and change anything about my choice in career. I love education!
2. Is there a moment that sticks out to you that you remember from school with a teacher you had growing up?
I always remember loving school. I loved learning, and I still do. I think that besides the moment where I fell in love with preschool, second grade really stuck out to me. I loved my teacher and she inspires me to this day to be an amazing teacher.
3. How long have you been student teaching, what do you teach, and what did it take for you to get there?
I have been working in schools with kiddos since I was in high school. I will officially start my student teaching this fall!! I am a Junior at school!
4. What is your go-to tool you use in the classroom and why?
My go to tool at the moment is a teacher toolbox and rainbow cart. This helps me stay organized for school, and I am preparing for my future teaching career.
5. Is there anything you do to accommodate your students and how often do you find yourself using that accommodation?
I definitely will lead an inclusive classroom, and I will accommodate for students, but currently I have no consistent accommodations. I try to stay up to date about the most effective educational accommodations, so when I’m the teacher, I am accommodating equitably.
6. I see that you are a student teacher, go to school, and are super busy with all things education, how do you balance it all?
I am super busy with all things education, but that’s how i like it! I run my teacher instagram to track my progress to being a teacher and to inspire my fellow preservice teachers! I love teaching, talking about it, sharing ideas, and getting psyched for student teaching!
7. How has it been learning virtually?
Learning virtually was hard! I love technology, but BOY did I have headaches, frustration, and moments of feeling like giving up! I cant imagine what it was like teaching virtually! I hope that we can go back this fall!
8. 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 class sizes are gonna get smaller. Sadly, hugs and high fives are gonna go away, and school is gonna change:( BUT if it’s gonna make sure we’re all safe and sound so that hugs can come back - i’m okay with it.
9. Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I would love to be teaching second grade in a suburban area. MY DREAM - I would love to own a preschool. Its where I fell in love with teaching, and its where I would love to end up!
Thanks so much Jillian!
Happy Teaching :)