Karima Bilal-Squires teaches English/Reading, Physical Education/Coaching, Health, Expressive Art & Music, and Social Emotional Learning/School Readiness — 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 give kids more awareness and tools about coping mechanisms, specifically early education. I love teaching because it is always a reflective experience and it’s rewarding to see progress in people.
What is the funniest moment you’ve experienced a teacher?
Letting the kids take turns being teacher for the day and watching them implement my skills as well as their own methods. It is laugh-out-loud funny!
How has the last year affected your students and your teaching approach?
The last year has really made me and my students more creative in the teaching experience, also I have started building a curriculum so my approach has become very inclusive of the kids’ opinions and more holistic, using everything as a teaching moment.
What’s a creative solution you use to keep kids engaged or motivated during COVID?
Interactive lessons, games, art and definitely music. Teachers could involve an open discussion about any topic, almost like a brainstorm or round table, and follow it up with a game or song for review.
What resources do you like to use in the classroom or in teaching remotely?
Epic books, teachers pay teachers, Amazon, YouTube, PBS Kids, Mr. Rogers workshop, Rollins Cox campus, and Teaching Strategies.
What is your experience with bullying in the classroom?
Roleplay, group problem solving, and teaching positive behavioral intervention have been very helpful in prevention and awareness for anti-bullying in my experience. As for the child who bullies, I have found expressive art modalities to be helpful in showing what they feel or where they may be learning the behavior. Also, encouraging them towards roles of leadership in the classroom (often there seems to be a need for control/lack of attention) showing them the qualities of being a good leader.
How do you gauge if your students are succeeding?
I usually measure progress through some form of review. I really like to use Teaching Strategies.
What’s a fun thing students don’t know about you?
My students don’t know I’m actually very shy about singing/performing in front of others even though we sing together all the time.
What’s the one book you wish all students would read?
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont.
What is your primary educational goal, and what are you most proud of as a teacher?
As an early educator, my main goal is to prepare kids for school, giving them tools to be socially and emotionally ready and teaching them how to love and advocate for themselves/learning style.
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.
