Nancy Williams, 2nd Grade Teacher, Baker-Butler Elementary
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Each child comes to my classroom at a different stage of development, emotionally, socially and academically. Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of each student is a daily challenge. It requires that I constantly seek out new materials, activities and methods.
What’s the most common misconception about your job?
People frequently say, “You must love getting off at 2:30 every day.” Elementary teachers are responsible for all subject areas, and we strive to make our lessons hands-on and interactive. That requires a lot of planning, preparation, and time.
Where do you see the teaching field in 5 years?
I see a move away from standardized testing and toward developing the whole child. That means letting children explore, question and pursue what interests them. The job of the teacher will be to help students develop their talents and teach them to think critically about the world around them.
What outside experience prepared you best to become a teacher?
Being a parent was the best preparation for teaching, as I was able to see all the developmental stages through my daughters. Every child is different, with unique gifts, and they each develop on their own timetable.
