Teacher Appreciation Week!
Every year, during this time, we have a week long celebration to our society's heroes: TEACHERS!
As we close out this year's Teacher Appreciation Week here at Yoobi, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of our teachers that are directly impacted through our give back program and our exclusive give partner Kids in Need Foundation. We love our teachers and think that everyday is a good day to celebrate them and their hard work!
Kim Castell - Irmo, S.C.
What are some First Day of school traditions you participate in?
The first day of school is all about making sure the students feel comfortable and safe. We do a lot of getting to know you games.
How has your teaching style changed in the past year?
I had to switch from face-to-face to all virtual 2 weeks into the school year due to numbers. That was a very quick adjustment with different students from 3 different schools. But I was able to form bonds with them quickly.
How do you spend your summer breaks as a teacher?
I try to travel back home and even take a faraway trip over the summers.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher?
I love it when I see students implementing strategies I taught them to be successful at a task.
How does technology make teaching easier or more difficult?
Technology is number one when teaching remotely. I have to have it or I can’t teach.
Fun Facts
What is something about you that may be shocking to your students?
I have been skydiving, flying an airplane, and even a helicopter.
What kind of student were you when you were younger?
I was a very social but successful student.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in teaching?
I’ve known I was going to be a teacher since Kindergarten.
Eric Calderon - Fresno, Ca
What are some First Day of school traditions you participate in?
I don’t know if it’s a tradition, but for the First Day of School, I like to tour the students around the school, then release them to a scavenger hunt all over campus. I try to make connections on Day 0 – by calling, or visiting students ahead of time. This allows my students to get familiarized with a face and name. It also allows me to meet caregivers and learn about their home life a bit.
How has your teaching style changed in the past year?
I am very methodic. So, often, I will purposely record myself teaching so I can reflect on areas of personal growth. My teaching style changes every year. I take what works and what didn’t – then work towards enhancing it. I shifted for Elementary to Middle School this year, and the way I talk to students, help students and motivate students changed because most of my elementary strategies expired when I entered middle school; the kids are “too cool” for some of the gimmicks now.
How do you spend your summer breaks as a teacher?
I have taught Summer School every year. I try to teach students I don’t normally teach during the regular school year. This allows me to practice new teaching strategies, try a different grade level or subject, and explore my own teaching habits. I also spend my summers learning about the incoming students. I review IEPs, students portfolios and take that information to prepare my classroom to meet the specific needs of my new incoming students.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher?
The little “ah-ha” moments are the most rewarding aspects of my day. I like to celebrate every success, no matter how big. So, when a students says, “I got it” or “it makes sense now,” I will make a big deal out of it. They need to know that I am proud of them and they need to be proud of themselves too.
How does technology make teaching easier or more difficult?
Technology offers a lot of benefits to our students and teachers. I am able to support students in ways previously unimagined. I am able to record lessons, upload documents, give immediate feedback and allow students to collaborate with one another. Technology offers accommodations that allows me to help students reach their full potential in their academics.
Fun Facts
What is something about you that may be shocking to your students?
I was an avid volleyball player from middle school onward. I played for a national league, but was injured and unable to play competitively.
What kind of student were you when you were younger?
I was a curious student. I always wanted to know more about a subject or topic. I always asked questions and was extremely inquisitive. My parents instilled strong work ethics in me and always pushed me to do more and do better.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in teaching?
I explored the career of teaching in High School and went into my Undergraduate to become a Teacher. I planned to teach General Education, but when I adopted my children (with Special Needs), I realized that I needed to better advocate for their needs. I switched to Special Education and at 29, I started my first teaching position.
Ilian Hernandez - Nashville, TN
Check out her blog HERE
What are some First Day of school traditions you participate in?
First days are scary and exciting! Students create Sticky Note Art and we engage in a “get to know you” discussion of nicknames, birthdays, favorite art mediums, learning expectations, and favorite songs to create a class music playlist.
How has your teaching style changed in the past year?
Yes, definitely! As an Art teacher multitasking teaching virtually and in person has been a challenge, but nothing no teacher cannot do. I try to find use in any recyclable materials or home objects for art projects. I prioritize the health and well being of the student, conduct individual check-ins, and have one on one conversations. Through all this time, I have realized that I make my courses more and more about the student and their identity.
How do you spend your summer breaks as a teacher?
Summer breaks for teachers are an opportunity to relax. Last summer break, I was not only relaxing but also working. I am a creator and cannot stay still, so I create a curriculum based on different identity projects related to culture, traditions, phobias, holidays, and exploration of courageous conversations about what happens day to day in our present world.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher?
Art is my passion, it’s been for years, probably since I was on 6th grade or earlier. I never thought I would get so many satisfactions as a teacher since I already am doing what I enjoy doing. But it is a feeling out of this world to see my student’s dedication in the classroom and virtually. My students are the center of all things in “Ms.Hernandez’ Art Classroom,” I do everything thinking about each one of them. Seeing them grow, improve, get into the projects, participate, and being active in every idea I have or they have is so rewarding. Words are not necessary, although I get to have thank you’s once in a while.
How does technology make teaching easier or more difficult?
Technology has helped me become more organized however it is difficult to get used to it and build a system that works for you. Now, not only students submit their work in person, but they also submit a photo of their work so I can keep track of it in my online grading book. Students can join class in their computer devices through virtual calls and connect with those students who are virtual, we see projections of videos together or follow modeling step by step strategies and techniques, and through these times it still feels like we are connected.
What is something about you that may be shocking to your students?
My background. I am originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Mexico and moved to the U.S. when I was 14. I started high school in the border town of Laredo, Texas and I did not speak English fluently. Proud daughter of my parents Rodolfo and Lety, and siblings Cochi and Pipo, I was able to get out of my comfort zone, work hard during high school years and enroll in college. I can tell you that my English was at its most comfortable stage during my first year of college. I graduated with a bachelor’s of Studio Art with a minor in Creative Writing, and a Master’s of Arts in Education from Texas A&M International University.
I was able to study abroad for 5 months in Bilbao, Spain during that time with a full scholarship. Traveled to France and Italy only to be immersed in Art. Due to my husband Allan and his job in the music industry I live in Nashville and currently teach at Antioch High School. So it’s been a journey and when I talk to my students about my background and where I come from, they realize they have someone to talk to about their journeys, coming from other countries or states, they feel a relation of struggle and sense of belonging. I am happy to be able to speak two languages and build that bridge of understanding for my students.
What kind of student were you when you were younger?
I can say that I’ve been all the kinds of student. I was talkative, dedicated, not great at mathematics, sometimes a trouble maker.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in teaching?
This moment to me was the most magical of them all. I realized I really wanted to be a teacher during my first year of college. I was taking an introduction course in art history with my favorite professor, Dr. Wright. The way he talked about prehistoric art and cave discoveries, I went home and talked about the lesson nonstop. Sharing that knowledge, being able to discuss a work of art in a museum with my family, the it of it all, the crème of the crème, the cherry on top. I’ve always been told, “be your own business owner, sell paintings, work from home” I could not do that to myself, I like to talk art, teach art, share art, be with people who create art, be "Ms. Hernandez, the art teacher." Being an art teacher in my art classroom, is my happiest state to be.
