Service Learning Experience
Interview
Mindee Pulley
Kindergarten Teacher
ME: Why did you choose to become a teacher?
Mrs. Pulley: Becoming a Teacher kind of chose me. My brother, Kaden, had a very rocky beginning in life. He almost died twice during the first year of his life. We continued to wait for him to catch up on those milestones that babies hit, just like the doctors said he would; but he never did. So, at two years old, my brother was diagnosed with Autism. Kaden needed an intensive in-home therapy program which required several therapists (trained in applied behavioral analysis therapy) who would teach him things like- how to play the right way with a car, how to stack blocks; later on it went on to teaching him letters and identify people and objects.
I was a therapist for Kaden from the get go; for me, teaching began when I was 13. It became so ingrained in me that I couldn't see myself finding joy in calling anything else a career. There is NOTHING like seeing the light go on inside of a child because they have grasped a concept.
ME: Is is what you expected?
Mrs. Pulley: For the most part, yes. What has surprised me is the loss of knowing how to play and interact by the children of today. I have realized that we've let technology take over our lives to the point that students are losing some pretty vital social and learning skills.
ME: How long have you been teaching?
Mrs. Pulley: As a certified teacher, 7 years. As someone that teaches in a classroom setting (not a therapist) 11.
ME: How do you divide your time?
Mrs. Pulley: I designate certain hours during the days for work alone. 8-5 is work on the weekdays; but if I need to catch up on Saturday, I give myself the afternoons for that. It is important to have family come first though. It is also important to leave work and work.
ME: What roles do you play as a teacher?
Mrs. Pulley: Oh my goodness, there are so many roles! Comedian, actress, therapist, mother (to some), nurse, judge and jury! You also get to be a part time art teacher, music teacher, movement teacher, and librarian. It is an all encompassing job.
ME: What is the greatest challenge of this profession?
Mrs. Pulley: Having a struggling student, doing all you can, and knowing that you're still falling short because they are not grasping the basics. You feel like you have failed that student, and that is the worst feeling in the world.
The other greatest challenge can be parents. You have to have the backing and help from parents in order to help the students succeed. Some parents view that as solely a teacher's job; but it takes a village to raise a child, and it is especially true in the case, because consistency and reinforcement from home help SO much.
ME: What part of the job brings you satisfaction?
Mrs. Pulley: How happy students are to come to class and accomplish things.
ME: What do you love about teaching?
Mrs. Pulley: Seeing the growth in a student. It's especially easy to see in a kindergartener.
My Reflection
I learned that I may need to work hard to help all of my future students succeed. It can be a challenge and the reward of the children succeeding will be worth it. Success of children learning and having the light go off is the most rewarding thing. I love seeing my own children’s light go off and I get so excited for them.
Everyone has a different reason of why they choose teaching children. I love hearing other teachers and soon to be teachers stories. We are all different and can learn for each other. We are here to help each other and not hinder.
Having help from the parents is very important. This has helped me be a better parent support for my children’s teachers. Education is a village support. It all starts at home. My children are now doing better in their classes. I will be watching for more ideas to get parents involved.
