Why Teaching Still Matters | Katie Allen

From The People Who Make Virginia · 41:10

Show by Gray Broughton Injury Law

Katie Allen was born to teach.Don't just take it from us, these are her exact words! Katie has known for as long as she can remember that teaching is what she wanted to do. And now that her dream has become a reality, as a 5th grade teacher in Chesterfield, VA, she can truly reflect on and recognize the joy and fulfilment that brings her into work every day. Sometimes at 6:30 in the morning (the school day starts at 9:10 am).But as she shares with us today, and would be the first to admit, contemporary teaching is not all roses and satisfaction. Teaching is one of the most challenging professions there is, from the simple volume of kids, to getting enough support for neurodivergent students, the bureaucratic maze and, of course, salaries that don't always recognize the value nor the commitment involved.Katie herself has ADHD, but turns that to her advantage in the classroom, whether through creative projects, the ambience of the classroom, building relationships or or in simply empathizing with neurodivergent students and their reality. We learn today how teaching is a blend of hard work and rewarding moments, and why community support can significantly impact teachers' effectiveness. Listen to the teachers in your life, lend them your ear, show them patience: they've earned it!"You have to trust yourself, because most of teaching is thinking on the fly, reacting to things as they come up. Kids will say stuff to you that you never expected to hear in your whole life. So I trust myself and I listen to my intuition." - Katie AllenChapters00:00 The Joy of Teaching and Personal Identity03:14 Becoming a Teacher During COVID-1907:01 A Day in the Life of a Fifth Grade Teacher12:11 Creating an Engaging Classroom Environment18:17 The Fulfilment of a Teacher and Student Connection28:00 Creating a Safe Learning Environment31:43 The Challenges of Teaching in 202636:28 How Teachers Can Be SupportedIf we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

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