Meredith Magazine Online Feature
Meredith Prepares Teachers to Stay in School
In North Carolina, about 48 percent of public school teachers quit in their first five years, according to a statewide report for the 2005-06 school year. Most cite dissatisfaction with facilities, training, school leadership and time available to plan lessons, to get training and to collaborate with co-workers, states the 2006 Governor’s Working Conditions Survey released last summer.
The Fall 2006 issue of Meredith Magazine features a cover story focusing on Meredith’s efforts to combat the teacher retention problem. Preparing future teachers for the challenges and realities of the classroom is one way that Meredith is tackling the retention issue statewide. Extensive field experience, varied education classes and the support of dedicated faculty combine to help get college students ready to teach.
As part of Meredith’s focus on teacher retention, writer Jane Paige spoke with five alumnae who are teachers. Read what these alumnae had to say about their motivation to teach, the challenges and rewards of teaching, the classroom experience and more.
- Laura Ellen Cochrane, '87
- Kim Collins, '98
- Mary Hemphill, '05
- Allison Trask Lawhorn, '05
- Jamie Mewborn, '04
Name: Laura Ellen Cochrane, '87
Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.
Meredith major: Home Economics with a concentration in Interior Design
What and where do you teach? Fifth grade at Highcroft Elementary School in Cary.
What made you decide to teach?
I actually was going to get my degree in interior design, but late in my junior year I decided I wanted to teach. I've always loved working with children and just couldn't imagine working in a profession where I would not be able to interact with children. Interior design became a hobby and it was definitely the right decision.
What has been the most surprising thing you've encountered in the classroom?
Just how much I do influence the lives of the children in my class. Having taught for 18 years now and living in the same area, I've been able to see my former students on and off throughout the years. I've often been surprised at their comments and the positive things they've remembered about their year in my classroom.
What challenges do you face?
Meeting the individual and diverse needs of all the students in my class is by far the most difficult challenge each year.
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
Simply put—the light bulb moment. When you are working with a student who has been struggling with a concept and they finally "GET IT"...by far the most rewarding feeling—priceless!
Name: Kim Collins, '98Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Meredith major: English
What and where do you teach? English at Green Hope High School in Cary
What made you decide to teach?
I always knew that I wanted to teach. Going into Meredith, I thought I wanted to teach elementary school, but I changed my mind after my freshman English composition class. It was the best decision I ever made. Now, I couldn't imagine teaching any age except high school.
What has been the most surprising thing you've encountered in the classroom?
As a student and student teacher, I never realized how many things a teacher had to handle at one time. I never considered the constant communication with parents, meetings, paper work, extra duties and professional development on top of teaching.
What challenges do you face?
One of the biggest challenges in high school is student apathy. There are many students who are not self motivated and, unfortunately, are not motivated at home either. This apathy can be a struggle in the classroom because without innovative lessons the apathy can be contagious; however, innovative lessons do not guarantee that students will be motivated.
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is the interaction with students. Some days, you can see it on their faces when they understand a new concept or when [the student] knows that he or she is valued and respected by his or her peers and teacher. For other students, it may take a few years until they realize what they learned from you and then send you an email or card to let you know how you inspired, encouraged or shaped them. When you get one of those notes, you realize the tremendous impact that you have on your students every year.
Name: Mary Hemphill, '05Hometown: Hickory, N.C.
Meredith major: Spanish
What and where do you teach? Third grade at Southwest Elementary School in Hickory. I attended the school.
What made you decide to teach?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher after having my third grade teacher, Sharon Melvin. When you were in her class you were at home, and I wanted to create that type of learning experience for my students.
What has been the most surprising thing you've encountered in the classroom?
The most surprising thing I have encountered in the classroom is that my students teach me every day. We have the best time learning and laughing together, and when I am having fun, they are, too!
What challenges do you face?
The challenges in teaching come with the standardized testing, rules and regulations, workshops and conferences. However, if you keep in mind that you are bettering yourself for the sake of your students, then it's all worth it.
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
When a child masters a concept that he/she might have been struggling with, demonstrates a sense of community by helping their fellow classmates, or leaves a note on your desk that says "You're the best teacher!," there is no better feeling!
Name: Allison Trask Lawhorn, '05
Hometown: New Bern, N.C.
Meredith major: Mathematics
What and where do you teach? Seventh grade math at Martin Middle School in Raleigh
What made you decide to teach?
I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher growing up. I was the child who taught all of my stuffed animals how to read. But I think that my mom [who was a teacher] was the inspiration that made me decide to teach. I saw the way that my mom [had an impact on] people in our community and I wanted to make a difference just like she did.
What has been the most surprising thing you've encountered in the classroom?
I am most surprised by the discipline issues that I have faced. I learned a lot in my first year and there were things that I have changed and things that I have kept the same. Many of my changes came in the area of discipline. I have learned many techniques and strategies of how to better handle myself and my students when encountering disciplinary problems.
What challenges do you face?
As a teacher you face many challenges daily, especially as a middle school teacher. The students are experiencing many changes as adolescents and it is a constant challenge trying to figure out how you can help the students adjust to life as an adolescent. I have found it challenging, too, trying to figure out ways to differentiate my teaching for the different levels of students in my classes. I always want to challenge the students regardless of how advanced they may or may not be.
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
There are so many rewarding aspects of teaching, but I think that the most rewarding is when a student "gets it". There are times when the students look at me as if I am speaking Greek. This is the time when as a teacher you must reevaluate your teaching strategies. It is very rewarding when you re-teach the students a concept in a new way and you look at the students and see the wheels turning and the students processing the information. Something just clicks and they actually understand what you are talking about! It is also an awesome feeling when a student tells you how much you mean to them and how much you have affected their life. There is nothing better than knowing that you make a difference in the lives of your students!
Hometown: LaGrange, N.C.
Meredith major: Child Development
Teaching Experience: Entering third year
What and where do you teach?
Self-contained special education preschool class at Washington Elementary School in Raleigh
What made you decide to teach?
I spent a lot of time with my aunt when I was younger [and she] had twin little girls. That time made me realize my love and enjoyment of children.
What has been the most surprising thing you've encountered in the classroom?
What everyone always says about experience being the best teacher, I have realized is really the truth. Although I had many wonderful teachers at Meredith and amazing experiences, one cannot replace actually managing her own classroom. That has been such an amazing learning experience for me that I am sure I will continue to learn from year after year.
What challenges do you face?
My biggest challenge is being able to be all that I want to be for each of my students. They need so much and my desire is to give them all that I can while they are in my care. Sometimes I don't feel like there is enough of me to go around or that I have enough within me to make it through.
What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?
Hands down the most rewarding aspect is seeing my children's eyes light up when they see me. I really believe the best thing I can do for any of my children is to love them. If I love them and keep them safe and [feeling] secure, learning naturally happens.
