I have spent the last few days substitute teaching at the elementary school level in kindergarten, third grade, and elementary school P.E. It brought back so many memories of my elementary/middle school days and made me think of how long I have come since then. It also allowed me to think about the state of teachers right now. My first grade teacher, Mrs. Elzeer, was one of the first adults (other than my parents) to make a major impact on my life. She seemed so "old" at the time, but she could flip a messy desk like the best of them. Second grade was kind of a blur, but I do remember getting glasses that year and being sent to the principal's office for the first time. In third grade I remember reading a lot, practicing my handwriting, and a teacher that did not make me feel very special. It then came to fourth and fifth grade and the two teachers that I had were life changing.
When I go on interviews and they ask, "why do you want to become a teacher?" I often think back to those inspirational teachers and answer "to make sure that every child is positively influenced". Kids are surrounded by adults the majority of the day so I think that it is important to be as positive as possible when interacting with them. I also consider myself a pretty positive individual, so it makes sense, right? Right.
It is also kind of surreal introducing myself as Mrs. Madigan to the students that I substitute for. First of all, it is crazy to be a "Mrs." and also that my name is no longer my maiden name. I really feel like this time around, with my early childhood teaching license, I am a different person and a much more confident person at that. I am pleased with my experiences as a substitute and am hoping that my efforts will serve fruitful for the upcoming school year.
