# data[].attributes.body
I am an ELA grad student, Special Ed Para, writing tutor, writing club teacher. My new students are so kind, interesting and interested in their teachers. I am finding for ways to make poetry SING for them!

# data[].attributes.body
I currently have 112 8th graders. Sometimes I think that all my students need me. However, there have been more incidents that I can think that, I definitely need my students more. They continue amaze me and encourage me to show up them and myself each day. The characters and personalities that they have along with the environment we have developed in class is a wonder.

My kids are having fun with hands on learning that we are doing in class. We have been working on dialogue and building a dinner party for our class with a script for our dialogue standard.

# data[].attributes.body
To engage with my middle schoolers who are reluctant readers, we read classic stories with bizarre situations. This year we are reading Roald Dahl's "The Land Lady" and before assigning a literary analysis paper, I have students write a re-creation of the story, telling the story from a different point of view as well as extending its ending. I find that this pre-creative work results in better thesis statements and more recall of story details. Also, reading a story out loud using the popcorning technique ensures that kids are pronouncing words correctly and they love reading in dramatic voices! Tama O'Hearn

# data[].attributes.body
This month, I started teaching a group of 7th grade students. We are having so much fun at the moment, discussing the importance of folktale in our lives and how folktales can carry positive experiences into the next generation. I am very proud of all my students who are challenging themselves through creative means.

# data[].attributes.body
Joy entered my classroom through emails I received from former students today. One sweet girl sent me a poem she wrote and a note letting me know she missed seeing me every day! A second student thanked me for teaching her to write well! These are my why when I am having a difficult day!

# data[].attributes.body
After more than two decades in the classroom, I return every day with expectant joy. My students' mere presence is symbolic of hope. Each day they work beyond their comfort zones to stretch and grow. That growth may manifest as standing before classmates to deliver engaging, research-based presentations; turning scenes from "The Tragedy of Macbeth" into fictitious Instagram posts; creating deliverables to showcase literary mastery; or remaining after dismissal to received additional preparation for standardized tests. I am inspired by my students' persistence because it holds space for my humanity and professionalism. They are my personal WHY.

# data[].attributes.body
I overheard two of my sixth graders at their lockers, talking about a problem that one of them was having with another student. The other sixth grader in the conversation gave this advice: “I know you are having a problem and want to angry, but you should treat that other person with respect and be kind just because that person is another human being.”

# data[].attributes.body
Something that has been joyful foe me this month is waiting to go see my best friend in Buffalo (I got here yesterday!) and I get to see my boyfriend tonight! My best friend and I have known each other for 10 years now and we do not get to see each other often because she goes to college in Buffalo and I go to school in Cortland. Whenever we are together we pick up right where we left off and she in genuinely the best person I have ever met. I am flying out of Buffalo tonight to go see my boyfriend in North Carolina and I will be there till Sunday! I haven't seen him since August so it's going to be a great weekend!

# data[].attributes.body
This summer I had the amazing opportunity to work in multiple Pre-K classrooms and I have loved being able to bond with them and get to know them on a better level. Hearing them call my name and having them tell me something that excites me is what made me grateful that I chose this to be my future profession.

# data[].attributes.body
In my placement I have been welcomed with open arms in a great learning environment. My host teacher is amazing! She is kind and always willing to work with me. Within the past few weeks I have already learned many things including classroom management strategies, lesson planning techniques, and positive reinforcement. Typically, I am nervous about placement but have felt supported in a way that allows me to be confident about my abilities as a future teacher!

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed going to Tim’s Pumpkin Patch this weekend. They had amazing drinks and desserts. I have also begun my placement within the Dryden area which has been so amazing! The school is small but a lovely place to be in. I am so excited to continue and learn from the experience!:)

# data[].attributes.body
I have recently shifted my attention to connecting with the more quiet/reserved students. I have found that they have much to share with me and it excites them as well as me when I find similar interests between us. I think teachers would benefit from spending the first week of classes getting to really know each student. I have loved placement so far and look forward to having my own classroom next fall:)

# data[].attributes.body
I've been working with students who have tough classroom behaviors. Many class members and even other staff members do not take the time to make learning meaningful with these individuals, which leaves them falling behind. This month, myself and a few other teachers have come together to create a support period for these students where we address any concerns they have in the classroom and outside as well. The students responded very well and have been making great improvements in the classroom! Teachers and other students are noticing the difference and have been able to include them in day to day activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Something this month that brought me joy was initially meeting my host classroom students and the school. All of the teachers and students were welcoming and helpful. When I was getting to know the students, I taught a small community building lesson which they all LOVED. After teaching this and talking to the students about their classroom community I had multiple kids come up to me and say they want me to teach more lessons like it and had fun getting to know me and their classmates.

# data[].attributes.body
This is my first year in a 6th grade classroom. It has always been my dream to teach middle school science and inspire wonder, and that dream is finally coming true. It is such a tough age for kids and I love to be that person that makes school an easier and more comfortable place for them to be. Seeing the look on their face when they learn something new is the greatest reward any career could ever give me.

# data[].attributes.body
I was student teaching in a classroom for the first time. I was not feeling too confident in myself as an educator, specifically when trying to connect with the students. At the end of my student teaching, the kids wrote me letters, and what they wrote melted my heart. I was blown away by how much they actually paid attention and liked the weird/ silly things I would do. They all gave me hugs and told me they wished I could be their teacher one day. It gave me the confidence that I can reach children and build relationships with them.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers coming together to support students in the community who need foster homes in last minute situations and volunteering to takes those students in despite being busy with their own children. These same teachers donating their time and money to various students within the community to make sure no one feels left out or vulnerable.

# data[].attributes.location_name
SUNY Cortland, Graham Avenue, Cortland, NY

# data[].attributes.headline
SUNY Cortland, Graham Avenue, Cortland, NY

# data[].attributes.subject
SUNY Cortland, Graham Avenue, Cortland, NY

# data[].attributes.body
This was my first time teaching a pre-k class by myself and it really showed me why I am going to be a teacher. After long hard days of schooling, teaching them has made all of it worth it. There are so many different aspects of teaching and watching these children grow in such a small time has made me so excited for my own classroom!!

# data[].attributes.body
Working with 5th graders and staying in contact with them, this year brought me lots of joy. For example, my students told me they visited the McNay Museum and could not help but reflect on their learning about the Renaissance periods last year. It brought tears to my eyes that they share with me.

# data[].attributes.body
A few years ago I went thru the drive thru of a local restaurant and one of my students eagerly greeted me. “Ms. Nix, I love to write because of your class. You are the reason I am majoring in writing!”

# data[].attributes.body
I enjoy building the relationships with students. I find it extremely satisfying when a student hates my subject, but keeps showing up and trying because they enjoy the environment. Success has different parameters for different students so celebrating those little victories is worthwhile.

# data[].attributes.body
My student writing a full page essay

# data[].attributes.body
A student completely changed after members of his silly squad left the room. Normally a cut up and an instigator, he settled into English class, absorbed the story and was able to make persona connections and well as read between the lines to find what the author was really saying. He raised his hand three times to offer answers that were insightful. Making a connection to our story where a parent tells their child they are proud of them, I asked him to look at me in the eyes and I told him was proud of him. He smiled and tapped his heart in reply.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel joy and hope when I think back on when my students would read the historical fiction novel, "Refugee" by Alan Gratz. I felt great hope for the future when I heard students discussing the importance of being kind to everyone, even if they are different from you.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my toughest kids in my very first year, Sophia, told me at the end of the year "I'm sorry for giving you so much attitude this year, Mrs. Cantu. Thank you for putting up with me!" Then, she hugged me. We spent the year arguing, on the phone with mom, and walking out of class. It was such a great moment because I struggled so much and thought I was an awful teacher for staying on her so much.

# data[].attributes.body
I had to legitimately search through the APEs that did not meet expectations out of all of my classes. My students this year already have a great foothold on writing; most assumedly due to their excellent 6th grade teachers!

# data[].attributes.body
The best moments are when my students ask to read rather than having to be called on. Their energy, creativity, and positivity keep me going and fill me with joy and hope.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
1st Year with Multilingual Students - Changed My Life!

# data[].attributes.body
A Facebook message I sent to my 8th Grade Science teacher AFTER my 1st year of teaching (in 2017):

"Mrs Q-Burger, I survived (and loved) my first year of teaching. At first, I was still terrified of entering a classroom full of students that I didn't know, nor they didn't know me. But, I've learned that it's a very natural feeling when facing the unknown. And as the year unfolded, the anxiety I felt melted away. I became comfortable in my skin as a teacher. I memorized each of my student's names, faces, and even handwriting! I can confidently say I cared about each of my students, and in this last week, I understand now what it means to make your students feel safe. When you told me that making your students feel safe was important to you as a teacher, I couldn't even imagine for myself that I could make my students feel safe, but, somehow, I did in my first year of teaching. There were those students who became easily drawn to me, and purposely bugged me, or wanted me to help them with their homework in another class. Or students who brought me candy or offered me food. The students who I thought wouldn't come around, came around, and they did in their own way...because they felt comfortable, because I think they felt safe around me. I think they saw that I really wanted to help them, and I always made myself present to them to walk them through a problem or coach them to arrive to an answer on their own. When I really reflect on this year, I didn't just make them feel safe and comfortable, but THEY, each one of them, made me feel safe and comfortable. I actually understand, as a teacher, what it means to feel safe in a classroom. I can easily remember feeling safe in your 8th grade science classroom! It's a different, but amazing, feeling to be the teacher who makes their students feel safe. I just wanted to share this thought with you. I hope you had a great school year with your kiddos! I know they all loved you!"

# data[].attributes.body
Our pre-service teachers are excited and hopeful as they prepare to work in elementary and middle grades classrooms this fall! The 2024-2025 school year will be transformative for a new generation of educators!

# data[].attributes.body
Twice a week in my class we do free writing. I will post a few prompts, but I always tell my students that they can write whatever is in their heart on that specific day. For seven minutes the timer ticks down and the students jump into universes that they create as authors. I write too, in my journal after doing one walk-through making sure all pencils are in their dancing state. Yesterday, one of my students came up to me with her journal open. She asked me if I would read her entry for the day. I saw the pride in her face, so I couldn't refuse (not that I ever refuse reading my student's work :). As I read her words, the little hairs on my arms perked up, and a wave of tears gathered at the corners of my eyes. She wrote about how she came to the US five years ago, not knowing a word of English, with dreams in her heart to have the opportunity to have an education that she couldn't in her country. She left her mom, dad, brothers, and sisters for this opportunity. The tears broke free down my face as I read the words "and now I am sitting here in your Honors English class." I slowly closed her journal and gave it back to her. I told her, "I am so glad you are here and I can't wait to learn more about your story." As she walked away back to her desk, I turned around and wiped the tears away from my face. Teaching has so many obstacles y'all (crazy obstacles these days), but during instances like this, I remember why I stay in the classroom. I want to help my students. I want to help this student. If I am able to help my students on their journeys toward their future goals, then I am living a life worth living.

# data[].attributes.body
As a middle grades teacher educator at UNC Wilmington, I get the amazing opportunity to see a lot of teacher do a lot of joyful things in their classrooms and on campus in our Education Lab.

This year, I had a chance to become an inquiry coach with our preservice teachers. We often talk about inquiry in our field, but I learned that not a lot of new teachers have experience working with it.

Our middle grades preservice teachers used the semester to work one-on-one with students who led and designed their own learning experiences. It was so incredible joyful to not only see students become passionate learners but to see our teachers transform into learners alongside them!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Bright Minds and Brighter Futures: The Joy of Teaching Middle School

# data[].attributes.body
My students absolutely love project-based learning that teaches them literacy skills they can apply to the real world. I have been an educator for 24 years, and I never tire of seeing my middle schoolers transfer their learning to new contexts. Through project-based learning, my students apply their literacy skills to other content areas such as science and math. I teach them the importance of exploration, collaboration, critical thinking skills, and effective writing by having them think of projects they want to create that has real world application. My students are amazing!