Amy Carroll teaches English/Reading and is a professionally certified online tutor with a private academic certification in the state of Pennsylvania– and she’s one of the Teachers We Love in 2021. You can learn more about her in the interview below, and at The Teacher Marketplace.
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to fulfill a calling: to educate the young and coach them into becoming the adults they were meant to be.
What is the funniest moment you’ve experienced a teacher?
The funniest moment as an educator that I have experienced would be the responses received from students just before they get a particular skill. Then they look at me with a look like WOW every day.
How has the last year affected your students and your teaching approach?
The last 18 months have been devastating for my students. They had to overcome obstacles that were presented to them not just academically, but emotionally.
My teaching approach has changed considerably, from in-person to an online tutor. I have worked nonstop to provide explicit instruction and develop relationships with families up and down the east coast. As well as developing digital supplemental resources for teachers across the globe to utilize with their students.
What’s a creative solution you use to keep kids engaged or motivated during COVID?
An example of a creative solution to keep kids motivated online is to provide content, as well as fun interactive materials for them to access and manipulate to boost motivation and excitement.
What resources do you like to use in the classroom or in teaching remotely?
The resources I choose to use for remote learning are created materials presented on Google Slides, PowerPoint, and Kami tools to enable the students to be able to complete the materials during our live sessions. They are able to manipulate the tools and have direction from me after the lesson is taught.
What is your experience with bullying in the classroom?
As a teacher, I educate the effects bullying can have on an individual. To prevent bullying, it is usually discussed with rules to follow in-person and online, with a no-tolerance policy.
How do you gauge if your students are succeeding?
I am able to gauge success by observing my students as they complete the work during live sessions. If the skill is mastered, it is easy to move to the next skill. If I notice struggles, then I can retract as many times as needed.
What’s a fun thing students don’t know about you?
A fun thing that my students do not know about me is that I have been to Hawaii. I know it sounds trivial, but when they are getting ready to take a trip, I like to discuss places traveled and their excitement.
What’s the one book you wish all students would read?
[That] would depend on that particular student. I am a huge fan of Liz Kessler’s North of Nowhere. It seems to engage students as they can relate it to their world.
What is your primary educational goal, and what are you most proud of as a teacher?
My primary goal in education has been, and will always be to continue to provide explicit and engaging lessons to help with reading success. To build strong foundations in reading and relationships that will continue on throughout life. However possible, whether it’s in-person or online.
Meet More Teachers We Love in 2021
“Teachers We Love” is a co-production between Parentology and The Teacher Marketplace. To meet more amazing teachers, visit the Teachers We Love section.
Need a Tutor?
The Teacher Marketplace (TTM) is an amazing online resource to find a good tutor for your child, anywhere in the country, at a cost that fits any parent’s budget. Learn more about the company on Parentology.
