A Big Yoobi Hug to Teachers on World Teachers' Day!
Happy World Teachers' Day! We wanted to give a shout out and share how much we appreciate the educators who put forth the time and effort for kids in their classrooms. Teachers are the real-life versions of superheroes. A mentor, friend, and supporter all in one, they go above and beyond the expectations of your typical job. Their hard-work illustrates the incredible passion and unconditional love that they have for their students.
From Pre-K all the way to the end of college, each and every one of us has a teacher who has impacted our lives for the better. At the palm of their hands, teachers are the building blocks towards changing our future through the power of education. From Yoobi to all the teachers in the world, thank you for continuing to inspire and encourage us to be the fearless leaders we all aspire to be one day.
Meet five OUTSTANDING teachers that are the authentic changemakers of this world. We appreciate and support everything you do! #TCHRPWR
1. Andriana Zarovska
What grade/subject do you teach?
I teach kindergarten!
Did you always know you wanted to teach/what inspired you to start teaching?
I always knew that I wanted to teach! My second-grade teacher was a huge inspiration to me and since meeting and being in her classroom I knew that I wanted to become a teacher, too!
What is your advice for 1st-year teachers?
The most important piece of advice I could give to first-year teachers is to take everything by the day and MAKE TIME for yourself! Teaching can be overwhelming because you can always improve! Pick a focus area (e.g. classroom management) and fine tune that over the course of the year. Do not feel like you must do it all your first year! Celebrate every win no matter how small! Self-care should always be number one- if you are feeling tired- step away and take a break but don’t quit!
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in class?
Kindergarteners take rules seriously once you have taught them, too! My students must show hand signals while I am teaching in my teacher zone to leave their seats. Last year, I was so caught up in my math lesson I didn’t notice a student showing me the bathroom signal. She kept that signal up as she had her accident and a friend of hers raised a quiet hand to tell me, “_____ is having an accident right now but she is showing her bathroom signal at least”!
What’s one lesson you want your students to take away from your class?
I want my students to know and understand the power they must make a difference in not only their own lives but the lives of others. I want them to give and share love and acceptance and to be good citizens of the world!
2. Mrs. Wyckhuyse
What grade/subject do you teach?
I currently teach 2nd grade.
Did you always know you wanted to teach/what inspired you to start teaching?
I've known that I wanted to teach ever since I could remember. My 5th-grade teacher, Mrs. Boos, further inspired me to become a teacher. She always found a way to make learning fun and she did it with a lot of love!
What is your advice for 1st-year teachers?
My advice for first-year teachers is to remain flexible throughout your career.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in class?
One of the funniest things that have happened so far this year is a student referring to me as "Mrs. Whiskey", instead of Mrs. Wyckhuyse!!
What’s one lesson you want your students to take away from your class?
One lesson I want my students to take away from my class is to always believe in themselves and the dreams they have for their lives.
3. Katie Rogers
What grade/subject do you teach?
I'm in a new role as one of our district's Master Teachers this year! I teach third-grade math in the morning and work as a K-5 math instructional coach in the afternoon.
Did you always know you wanted to teach/what inspired you to start teaching?
Not at all- I didn't change my major to education until my junior year of college actually. I wanted a job that had room for creativity but also allowed me to help others, and I eventually realized that teaching combines those two passions of mine!
What is your advice for 1st-year teachers?
Channel your energy into delivering quality instruction and building relationships with your students. It can be really easy to get caught up in the latest classroom decor trends or compare your bulletin boards to what you see on Pinterest. When you focus on teaching and teaching, you're setting yourself (and your students) up for success in the years to come!
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in class?
Our school once had a stray kitten that was always seen outside of the school. One day on my lunch break, it climbed through an open window, into my classroom, and started roaming the halls! I'm HIGHLY allergic to cats, so I couldn't pick it up and put it outside. I kind of just followed it around the school hoping somebody would eventually see and help! The cat eventually made it outside safely, and I still have those pictures on my phone for whenever I need a good laugh.
What’s one lesson you want your students to take away from your class?
Every problem has a solution! In math or life, working to problem solve will help you overcome any challenge!
4. Jaenelly Rocha
What grade/subject do you teach?
I teach 2nd grade Spanish Science, Social Studies and Language Arts.
Did you always know you wanted to teach/ what inspired you to start teaching?
I did not know I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be a nurse in college but I gradually transitioned into the educational field because I saw a huge need for bilingual teachers in Texas.
What is your advice for 1st-year teachers?
First advice is to read "The Wild Card" by Hope & Wade King. As a teacher, you must bring your natural unique talents into the classroom to set the stage to engage. Don't try to imitate other teachers, just grabs some ideas and make it fit your brand of talents to deliver an authentic lesson that will engage your kids. The students sense your enthusiasm in teaching and in return the students will instantly have the enthusiasm to learn.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in class?
Forgetting what day of the week it was and doing the wrong assignments all day long!!!
What’s one lesson you want your students to take away from your class?
To know that apart of all the learning there is a teacher that genuinely cares about each student and hopes to spark a love for learning for the many years ahead.
5. Mr. G
What grade/subject do you teach?
I teach third grade Reading and Writing
Did you always know you wanted to teach/ what inspired you to start teaching?
I’ve known since I was in high school! It started when I was part of a teaching program that taught me how to create and implement lessons. I still remember sitting at lunch one day and hit me, I thought, “whoa, I want to be a teacher.” After that moment, I never looked back.
What is your advice for 1st-year teachers?
First-year teachers, never stop learning! Remember to love your kids, give them your best, and when you fail, wipe yourself off (it happens to us ALL), seek help, and continue growing.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in class?
One year, I was in the middle of writing the word “buttons” on the board, when my classroom phone started to ring and I dashed over to answer the call. As I’m on the phone, I hear my students snickering and trying to contain their laughter. I looked over and made a face that asked: “What’s funny?”
One student pointed to the board and there it was. I never finished writing "buttons". I stopped after the double T.
Students from that year still come and say “remember when you wrote butt on the board?”
What’s one lesson you want your students to take away from your class?
I want my students to remember that reading is power. We read, listen, and share stories not just for academics, we also read because of our story and those of others matter. Reading provides knowledge and compassion, two important skills for obtaining all of our dreams.
