Ruth Teeple teaches English/Reading, Foreign Language (Spanish), History/Social Studies/Geography and Psychology . She has a focus on early childhood development and bilingual education — 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 because I wanted to work with kids — and not just work with them but also make a difference in their lives.
What is the funniest moment you’ve experienced a teacher?
I taught Pre-K for years, so every day there was something new and unexpected. Their answers to questions are sometimes hilarious but also give us an idea of how they perceive their world, and that is pretty interesting.
How has the last year affected your students and your teaching approach?
I teach 100% online right now and my students miss their school, they miss interaction with each other and seeing smiles.
What’s a creative solution you use to keep kids engaged or motivated during COVID?
Eye contact. This makes them aware that we are always listening and paying attention to them. I also encourage my students to move around. They don’t always need to be sitting staring at their screen. They can learn while still hearing your voice as well.
What resources do you like to use in the classroom or in teaching remotely?
I use a lot of real items to show instead of always slides and videos. This helps with increasing the level of engagement and interest from my students.
What is your experience with bullying in the classroom?
We work as a team and everyone has a job. Respecting other people and showing respect in our classroom is a must. We prevent bullying by making connections with each other.
How do you gauge if your students are succeeding?
Informal assessments. Not all students perform their best in a formal test scenario. They may get shy and as a result, their test results will not showcase their understanding of the subject matter. I often engage with that at a different level, including playing with them and having conversations. I find that these tactics can tell us a lot about their learning progress.
What’s a fun thing students don’t know about you?
I have traveled to 32 countries and have had endless adventures. I have also traveled by myself and that was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. On these adventures, I like to try new and thrilling things like skydiving in Hawaii and hang gliding in Brazil.
What’s the one book you wish all students would read?
The dictionary. Nobody reads that anymore and it’s full of important and useful information.
What is your primary educational goal, and what are you most proud of as a teacher?
I teach little ones so I focus on the whole child. Academics is just the beginning. I also want to help them gain the self-confidence they need to succeed and provide them with the tools they require to become leaders and good people in their communities.
Meet More Teachers We Love in 2021
“Teachers We Love” in 2021 is a co-production between Parentology and The Teacher Marketplace. To meet more amazing teachers, visit the Teachers We Love section.
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