Embedded Files
Who Am I?
Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Garrett, I am 22 years old and am currently a junior at ODU. I was born and raised in a small rural area in Southwest, VA located at the very tip of Virginia. My mother raised me by herself for most of my life, until she married my step-dad when I was in middle school. He is such a wonderful person and I am so blessed to have him as a father. I also have a little sister as well too, she's 8 years old. I have a husband named Tyler and together we have two dogs, Bonnie and Holley. I am an elementary education major, I would like to teach 5th grade, but I want to go back to school after graduation because I'd really like to teach high school. I currently work full-time at a mental health facility not far from my home on top of being a full-time student, it can definitely be a little much at times. I am a big Harry Potter fan, one of the things on my bucket list is to go to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios. Before I started at ODU I actually had plans to attend a different school to pursue mental health counseling, but I decided against it as teaching is my true passion.
What I Know
My substitute teaching experience has definitely taught me some things, I was a substitute for over a year and I worked 5 days a week. I'm very thankful for the experience, it was the best job I have ever had. I know a bit about how to manage a classroom, but I know I need to learn much more. It also taught me how to connect with students and build relationships with them. I also know how to resolve conflict within the classroom and what steps I should follow when trying to resolve a conflict.
What I Need to Learn
I feel as though I need to learn quite a few things in order to be the best teacher I can be. Being able to create engaging and effective lesson plans is something I know I need to learn. I also need to learn more classroom management tools as well.
The Teacher I Want to Be
I want to be the kind of teacher that makes students feel welcomed and heard. I want to provide a safe space for them to share any ideas they may have as well too. Creating lessons that get students engaged and excited is another thing that I want to strive for when I start teaching. It is important to me that all future students succeed and I will do my best to make sure that they do.
Paige Hawthorne- Hi Kaitlyn! You have such incredible things to offer as a teacher and I think your substituting experience will really help with that! I also believe being raised by a single mother then soon having to adjust to having a father figure in the home allows you to empathize with the students and connect with them on another level. I do want to suggest maybe changing the back drop of some sections to add some color and fun!
Amber Robbins- Hey Kaitlyn! I think students are going to be lucky to have you as a teacher! The fact that the students are your primary reason for teaching will take you so far. I too have a mental health background and I think it truly help when working with students. I love the images you used, but I do suggest adding some color!
Amanda Henson- Hi Kaitlyn! I also work full-time and go to school full-time! It Is definitely giving us practice with time management that will help once we're leading the classroom. I'm also a big Harry Potter fan (I'm a Hufflepuff :) & would love to go to Universal Studios. I tried to go to the Harry Potter World they have In London while I was there but we didn't have time. I'm sure It'll be an experience when you get to go!
Lauryn Jones- Hey Kaitlyn! I see that you said visiting Harry Potter World in Universal Studios is on your bucket list- I went there a few years ago and I thought it was pretty cool, although I've never seen a Harry Potter movie in my life. I think it takes a brave soul to solely be a substitute teacher, especially depending on the age group, but I am so glad that you loved the experience! Best of luck to you!
Cargen Taylor - Hello Kaitlyn! I am also a junior and an Elementary Education major! I actually got to see Harry Potter World at Universal Studios this Christmas! It was very crowded and filled with people in Harry Potter gear! We had a similar start to getting in the education field, as I thought that I wanted to be a nurse but I realized that I wanted to pursue being a teacher as I already love working with kids. I also need to work on my classroom management skills! I'm sure that you will make a lovely teacher in the future!
Page updated
Report abuse