Interview with Mrs. Williams

                                                                                            By Silas P.
Mrs. Williams is a fifth-grade teacher at Hampton Elementary School.

Silas P. : What is your favorite subject to teach?
Mrs. Williams: Definitely math

Silas P. : Did you always want to be a teacher?
Mrs. Williams: No. To be honest, no.

Silas P. : Why did you want to be a teacher?
Mrs. Williams: I was working as a long-term substitute when I went back to work after staying home with my children for many years.  I enjoyed that job so I decided to get my masters in education.

Silas P. : What secrets are in the teacher’s lounge?
Mrs. Williams: Keurig coffee maker

Silas P. : How long have you taught at Hampton?
Mrs. Williams: This is my fifth year.

Silas P.: Do you prefer working with the class or individuals?
Mrs. Williams: I don’t have a preference

Silas P. : What grades have you taught before?
Mrs. Williams: When I was a long-term substitute, I also taught 3rd grade and 4th grade.

Silas P. : Do you prefer virtual or in person class more?
Mrs. Williams: Of course I love being in school with the students.

Silas P. : Are there any pros to online school?
Mrs. Williams: Some students are more comfortable participating in a virtual setting and have made stronger connections with the class.  I find that I have more time and flexibility to work with students in small groups or individually.  We have also learned about more digital tools that will continue to be helpful with in-person learning.

Silas P. : Have you ever had a different job?
Mrs. Williams: Before I went back to work, I stayed home with my children for 14 years.  Before that, I worked in human resources.

Silas P. : How has your job changed?
Mrs. Williams: There have been changes to the curriculum.  The biggest change has obviously been adapting to virtual learning over the past year.


Silas P. : What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a teacher?
Mrs. Williams: It is important to understand that teaching is about making connections with your students. Take the time to get to know all of your students so that you are better able to understand how they learn best.
​
Silas P. : What’s your favorite part of in person learning?
Mrs. Williams: Being able to see ALL of my students all of the time so that I see what their comfort level is with whatever we might be doing.