Where do you teach? Bloomfield Middle School, Hardin County
What subject(s)/grade(s) do you teach? Music, Art, and STLP
How many years have you taught? 9
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I really love the process of learning. It’s amazing to cultivate passions and interests in students and watch them reach their highest potential. I also had really amazing teachers growing up – they really fostered a love of learning. I really want to spread the joy of education to my students!
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? The best part of teaching that I didn’t expect was the camaraderie you develop with your students. You go into teaching expecting to be the “sage on the stage,” but the magic really happens when you develop a culture of care for your classroom and let the students get creative!
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? I wish non-teachers knew about all the unpaid work we do outside of working hours. Working ballgames, disaggregating data, planning lessons…teaching (unfortunately) doesn’t end at 4 pm!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? My greatest accomplishment as a teacher is being the back-to-back Mario Kart tournament champion for the Nelson County School District! A close second is winning the district music video competition.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? My favorite thing to do when I’m not teaching is making music and crafting.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? If I could have any superpower it would be the ability to freeze time. There’s so much to do but so little time!
Social media handles: @tj_the_teacher (Twitter)