Teacher Spotlight: Ms.Rebecca

For this month's teacher spotlight, I interviewed Ms. Rebecca. She teaches world history, ELA, and civics. Here are ten questions I asked:

1. What teaching moment impacted you the most?
   A. For me, it would be when a student finally understands something they have been struggling with. I enjoy seeing their face light up as they begin to understand a concept they felt was unattainable. It reminds me that anything is possible with patience and a belief in oneself.
2. How has teaching changed you as a person?
   A. It has made me more patient, more reflective, and more aware of the impact words carry. It has taught me to listen more carefully and assume less.
3. What misconception do students often have about your subject?
   A. Many think it’s about memorizing the “right answers,” when it’s really about critical thinking, problem-solving, and learning how to approach challenges. It is about taking all the information learned, in every subject, and pulling it together.
4. Is there a skill you hope students use years after your class?
   A. I hope they learn how to think critically, ask questions, and persist when it is difficult. Those are important life skills.
5. What makes a class memorable for you?
   A. A class is memorable when they actively participate. It is not just about the knowledge obtained; it is also about the personalities and the way they interact and work together to solve issues.
6. What moment made you realize your job truly matters?
   A. When a former student came back and said that I made a difference in their life or they learned something important in class, not academically but personally.
7. What part of teaching do you think is most misunderstood?
   A. People often underestimate the emotional labor involved. Teaching isn’t just delivering content; it’s supporting students as whole people, often during very important stages of their lives. 
8. What's the most important thing you wish students knew?
   A. That work ethic means more than scores and perfection. Struggling doesn't mean you are incapable; it means you are learning, which is something we never stop doing.
9. How do you decide what really matters in your teaching?
   A. I focus on what will help students grow as learners and people. If something builds understanding, confidence, or curiosity, it matters. 
10. What's something you're still learning as a teacher?
    A. I am still learning how to balance high expectations with flexibility.