Where do you teach? Breathitt County Schools (Breathitt County)
What subject(s) and/or grade(s) do you teach? Hearing Impaired Pre-K through 12 / Gifted and Talented K-12
How long have you been teaching? 25 years
Why did you become a teacher? When I began my college career, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. I took various psychology, sociology, and education courses at Morehead State University. My mother often encouraged me to get a teaching certificate, no matter what field I entered. However, I always rejected the idea. I transferred to EKU in hopes of becoming a speech-language pathologist. After I completed a beginner sign language class at EKU, I decided to become a deaf/hard-of-hearing teacher. My professor made me realize that being a DHH teacher is the career I wanted to pursue. I enjoy learning sign language and working with students.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? The relationship between my students and their parents. As a hearing impaired teacher in a small district, I have my same students until they graduate. I enjoy working with them year after year. This allows me to have a close relationship with their families.
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? It’s vital that non-teachers acknowledge the enormous amount of time and money teachers pour into creating a positive learning environment for their students. Without their tireless dedication, our children’s education would be compromised.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? Seeing my deaf and hard of hearing students graduate from high school.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? I enjoy fishing with my family at the lake.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? N/A
What are your social media handles? https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.minix, @ebethminix (Instagram)