Interviewee- Mrs Bair Interviewer- Hagan Elkins
What did you want to be when you were younger?
So, I wanted to be a teacher. I would collect old text books or worksheets that my teachers would give me and set up in my basement, and I would set up all my stuffed animals and pretend to do the work and then grade it. So I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so it’s pretty cool that I got to be one.
What was your favorite subject as a kid and why?
I liked all the subjects. Probably math was the most difficult, so I didn’t like it as much. History was probably my favorite because I like learning about things from long ago and all that happened.
What elementary school did you go to
I went to elementary school in West Virginia.
What did you like to do after school as a kid?
I was picked up by my dad on Mondays because he was off on Mondays. It was the only day I could get picked up. I loved that, and he would take me to the library the other days I had to ride the bus. I also did Brownies for Girlscouts, dance lessons, and baton.
Why did you change to a reading teacher?
We started learning about the science of reading, and it was interesting to me. Then I was able to go back to school to get my masters, and I wanted to try something new. It’s not that I didn't like kindergarten, it’s just that I wanted to do something that went along with my degree.
What is the funniest thing a student has said to you?
So there have been a lot of funny things in my career. I should’ve written a book, but here recently I would have to say when a kid outside said, “Why aren't you a teacher anymore?” I looked at them and said, “I still am, just a different kind.”
What was your favorite field trip to go on when you taught kindergarten?
I loved taking any trips that were outside like the pumpkin patch, or Brethren Woods, because I like showing the kids real things like nature.
What is the biggest change that you have seen at JWES?
I would say the biggest change for me as a teacher would be that there are so many more meetings that we have to go to than back when I started. This can be helpful because you can talk with the people you work with, but I feel like it can also be hurtful because you lose great time working with kids.
Have you ever worked in a different school than JWES? If so, what did you do?
I have only ever worked here as a job; actually that's not true. Before I got this job I was a long term sub at a school in Augusta County as a first grade teacher.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love working with kids and teaching them, so I like getting to work in small groups because that's so fun to me. Something that I didn't think I’d like that I do is that I like working with all grade levels instead of one. For a while I thought that kindergarten was the best and five-year-olds are awesome, but all kids are awesome no matter what age or grade.
