Miss-Delectable
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Which Cleveland County teacher learned sign language from her deaf parents? | county, name, deaf - The Star Online : The Newspaper of Cleveland County
Name: Kay Emery
School where you teach: Graham Elementary
Subjects you teach: Second grade
How many years have you worked in education? 30
What inspired you to become a teacher?
While working as a teacher’s assistant, I discovered a love for working with children. It was so rewarding helping them to grow and learn. I began thinking about having my own class. I was a little nervous. I had two small children at home, but I really wanted to pursue my dream. I enrolled in Gardner-Webb University and a few years later, my dream became a reality. I have my own class. I am the teacher!
What is one of the biggest challenges of your job?
Multitasking. Teachers are always planning; it is a requirement of the profession. In order to be successful, a teacher has to be able to do several tasks all at the same time. I prepare lessons and gather materials to teach. While teaching, I manage behavior, help assess students, monitor computers and listen to students’ needs. And show them that I care. Teaching is a constant search for ways to help my students meet their goals.
How have schools changed since you began teaching?
Technology has certainly changed. When I started teaching, we had chalkboards, overhead projectors, filmstrips, record players and purple mimeograph copiers. Today we have Smartboards, document cameras, projectors, iPods, iPads, computers and photocopiers. All of these technology devices make the curriculum more interesting to the children. Other changes have been the way we assess the students, the testing and the accountability practices. Change is always good. It keeps things new and current for the students. It also helps meet the needs of the students.
Tell us about a funny question you’ve been asked by a student or a funny moment in class.
Children are so innocent; some of them think we live at school. It’s difficult for them to believe that teachers are real people. They are so serious when they ask questions like… “Are you a real teacher? You are married? How old are you? You drive an SUV? That’s your husband? You have children? You have grandchildren?” When I answer their questions, they look at me as if they don’t quite believe that I have a family and a home just like everyone else.
What would your students be surprised to learn about you?
My students are amazed to find out that my parents were deaf and that sign language was my way of talking to them. They have many questions about my life with deaf parents and how we communicated. This sparks an interest and I share some signs that they can learn. In class, we practice the alphabet and learn some simple signs and songs. Sharing this experience gives them a realistic awareness of the hearing impaired.
What advice would you give to those going into the teaching profession?
Teaching is one of the most important professions a person can choose. It is not just a job. It takes dedication and love for children. To be a successful teacher, you must be willing to work many hours after school and many hours at home. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to help a child learn and grow. I have had many wonderful experiences over the years, and that’s what makes teaching so rewarding.
What is most rewarding about your job?
It is so rewarding to watch a child grow and learn. It may be something as simple as passing an AR test or as great as meeting their end-of-grade goals. I love to see my students “beam with pride” at their accomplishments. Then they strive to do their best school work. When my students are learning and feel good about what they have done, I feel rewarded just knowing that I was a part of that success.
Name: Kay Emery
School where you teach: Graham Elementary
Subjects you teach: Second grade
How many years have you worked in education? 30
What inspired you to become a teacher?
While working as a teacher’s assistant, I discovered a love for working with children. It was so rewarding helping them to grow and learn. I began thinking about having my own class. I was a little nervous. I had two small children at home, but I really wanted to pursue my dream. I enrolled in Gardner-Webb University and a few years later, my dream became a reality. I have my own class. I am the teacher!
What is one of the biggest challenges of your job?
Multitasking. Teachers are always planning; it is a requirement of the profession. In order to be successful, a teacher has to be able to do several tasks all at the same time. I prepare lessons and gather materials to teach. While teaching, I manage behavior, help assess students, monitor computers and listen to students’ needs. And show them that I care. Teaching is a constant search for ways to help my students meet their goals.
How have schools changed since you began teaching?
Technology has certainly changed. When I started teaching, we had chalkboards, overhead projectors, filmstrips, record players and purple mimeograph copiers. Today we have Smartboards, document cameras, projectors, iPods, iPads, computers and photocopiers. All of these technology devices make the curriculum more interesting to the children. Other changes have been the way we assess the students, the testing and the accountability practices. Change is always good. It keeps things new and current for the students. It also helps meet the needs of the students.
Tell us about a funny question you’ve been asked by a student or a funny moment in class.
Children are so innocent; some of them think we live at school. It’s difficult for them to believe that teachers are real people. They are so serious when they ask questions like… “Are you a real teacher? You are married? How old are you? You drive an SUV? That’s your husband? You have children? You have grandchildren?” When I answer their questions, they look at me as if they don’t quite believe that I have a family and a home just like everyone else.
What would your students be surprised to learn about you?
My students are amazed to find out that my parents were deaf and that sign language was my way of talking to them. They have many questions about my life with deaf parents and how we communicated. This sparks an interest and I share some signs that they can learn. In class, we practice the alphabet and learn some simple signs and songs. Sharing this experience gives them a realistic awareness of the hearing impaired.
What advice would you give to those going into the teaching profession?
Teaching is one of the most important professions a person can choose. It is not just a job. It takes dedication and love for children. To be a successful teacher, you must be willing to work many hours after school and many hours at home. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to help a child learn and grow. I have had many wonderful experiences over the years, and that’s what makes teaching so rewarding.
What is most rewarding about your job?
It is so rewarding to watch a child grow and learn. It may be something as simple as passing an AR test or as great as meeting their end-of-grade goals. I love to see my students “beam with pride” at their accomplishments. Then they strive to do their best school work. When my students are learning and feel good about what they have done, I feel rewarded just knowing that I was a part of that success.