Where do you teach? Madison Middle School, Madison County
What subject(s)/grade(s) do you teach? I teach 6th grade World History.
How many years have you taught? This is the beginning of my 8th year as a certified teacher, but I have been in education for over ten years.
Why did you become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher because I have had some teachers in my life that have left a positive lasting impression on my life. They made me feel seen, heard, and valued as a person. They invested their time in me to not only learn the content, but they also invested in my interests. Today, I still write poetry because one of my teachers took interest in my writing. Today, I love Social Studies and thinking critically because one of my teachers taught with so much passion that it compelled me to want to do the same one day.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? The best part of teaching that I never expected was how much students remember and how they too remember how I made the feel as a person. Students from years ago when I worked as a paraprofessional still remember me encouraging them to do something different and have stopped me in the store or in public to let me know that I had a positive lasting impression on them. Another part that I did not expect was that I have over 180 plus opportunities to make the best of each moment in the day. Thus the reason I tell my students that, if by chance there are less appealing moments in the day, it is just a bad moment, not a bad day.
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? Teachers have the ability to empower students with confidence in ways that can change their lives forever. Teachers also have the ability to model life lessons that go beyond content.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? My favorite thing to do when I am not teaching is spending time with my family and friends and making the most of each moment in life. I also thoroughly enjoy studying the scriptures as well, it is my faith that gives me the greatest strength and motivation to strive to make a difference. Poetry and photography are things that I really enjoy doing as well.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Initially, when I saw the question about a superpower, I immediately thought about the ability to travel through time. However, I immediately considered that every moment in my life has allowed me to become the man that I today. However, if I were to choose a superpower it would be the ability to fly. I would love to see parts of the world that I have never seen before with hesitation or the restraint of travel time.
Social media handles: @Mister_Greer (Twitter)