Mrs. Troutman

Our Teacher Spotlight shines brightly on Mrs. Troutman. She has taught Earth Science at Kenmore West for the past seven years. While I didn't have her as a teacher (I was stuck with her husband), I got to know her, and she's seriously amazing. I'd often drop by her classes or chill in her room during lunch. Mrs. Troutman's passion for teaching is off the charts. She's not just about lessons; she makes you want to learn. She pushed me to be my best self, and I'm not the only one. Many people look up to her for her dedication to her job. I wanted to give her a shout-out for being such an awesome teacher.

WHAT LED YOU TO BE A TEACHER?

Sounds cliche, but I always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little. But when it came time to make a college decision, it was a really hard time to get teaching jobs. After high school, I went to pre-pharmacy school at UB. I am still wondering why since I didn’t do well in Chemistry in high school,  but that’s a story for another time. After a year in pre-pharmacy, I realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I then switched to Biomedical Science, but after a semester, I discovered that spending all day in a lab wasn't my passion either. That's when I made the life-changing decision to leave UB and transfer to Buffalo State to pursue a career in Education. Given my background in science courses, I decided to specialize in Science Education. I've always had a love for the arts, and I believed I could incorporate that passion into my future classroom. 

WHAT DID YOU STRUGGLE WITH ON YOUR ROUTE TO BE A TEACHER? 

Choosing science was hard for me. In Science Education, you have to either choose: Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. I had a lot of Biology courses so I started there but then fell in love with my Geology courses so I decided to change pathways. I later got my certification in Biology as well to be more marketable. Along the way, I grappled with self-doubt, fearing that I might not find a job or that I wouldn't measure up to the exceptional teachers who had inspired me. We often aspire to emulate our favorite educators, and living up to those standards can be a daunting challenge. 

WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD A TEACHER HAVE?

Passion: A genuine love for teaching itself can inspire students.

Patience: The ability to remain calm and composed, especially when dealing with challenging situations or students.

Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and needs. The lesson plan doesn’t always go as planned.

Empathy: Understanding and relating to students' feelings and perspectives creates more meaningful and genuine connections.

Lifelong learning: As a teacher, you are also a forever student and there is always more to learn. 

HOW DO YOU CREATE AN ENGAGING ATMOSPHERE TO LEARN IN?

I strive to create an inviting classroom environment that feels like a second home, since I’m here more than I am home. I want to make it warm and welcoming, with soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. I want my students to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed by bright lights or intimidation. My passion for art is evident, and I hope it inspires creativity. In my classroom, I want students to feel like young adults fostering a sense of responsibility and maturity. I aim to instill excitement about coming to my class and to love hands-on learning, even if it gets a little messy. Plus, I love celebrating birthdays and acknowledging student achievements to create a positive and motivating atmosphere.

WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB?

There are so many rewarding aspects. Watching my former students proudly walk the stage to graduate is something I always look forward to. I love getting to that point of the school year where everything just flows in the classroom and I feel like me and my students have really made a connection.  Making long-lasting connections with students after they take my class is incredibly heartening.  Knowing that students trust me with their thoughts and genuinely value my guidance makes every challenge worthwhile. All this makes it worth it. 

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Teaching can be a constant hustle – always on the go, checking emails around the clock, and often taking things to heart. When you care deeply about your students, it's tough not to get personally invested. This job blurs the line between work and personal life. Yet, there's something special about this blend. Attending sports games, supervising activities, and even bringing my family to school events and introducing them to my students helps us all connect even more. It weaves me tighter into the school community. There is also, of course, the challenge of not getting too caught up in what's happening outside the classroom. It’s really important to surround yourself with positivity or you can fall down the rabbit hole of negativity. And let's not forget, the teaching profession is always in the news, with debates, changes, and challenges making headlines.

WHAT’S ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE NEW TEACHERS?

Make sure it's something you're truly passionate about. Teaching isn't just a job; it becomes a part of your life in every way. It can be emotionally draining because you care deeply, and there may be times when you give your all without feeling like you're getting much in return. So, choose teaching because you love making a positive impact. You may not always be recognized but remember you are always one student’s favorite teacher. 

HOW DO YOU TRY TO GET INVOLVED?

As an alumna of Kenmore West, I've always wanted my students to have the same experiences and create lasting memories like I did here. During the pandemic, I started the school's Instagram page on a whim and just for fun. My goal was to help students stay connected during a time when we all felt disconnected. To my surprise, it grew into something I'm genuinely proud of and truly enjoy managing. I'm also a co-advisor to the Take A Look At Teaching Club, where our focus is on giving high school students a glimpse into the world of teaching. It's a role I'm passionate about and dedicated to. Also, I have the privilege of being a Student Council advisor, which allows me to actively engage with various school events, fostering a strong sense of school community.