Becca Creed | Central Elementary School
Hello. Thanks for coming to read another interview with another fabulous teacher. I went to Becca's class a couple of times. The first time was just to ask if she would be cool with me sharing a little of her story and thoughts. I left my coffee cup. She being the awesome person she is she friended me on Facebook to let me know that she had my cup. The second time was to get photos of her and her students to post with the interview. Both times I learned a little more a Becca. The one thing that stood out to me was her mentioning of animals, so I wanted to know about her animals. My daughter loves animals so I'm always trying to connect her with people with animals.
I'm rambling. Lol... Well, meet my friend Becca and all of her coolness. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at Central. Jump down below and read away.
Tell the world your name!
Becca Creed
Where do you teach?
Central Elementary
How long have you been teaching?
13 years with GPS.
What grade do you teach?
I am the 1st grade Librarian.
What's your favorite school supply?
A fresh box of crayons and of course brand new books. :)
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
The three I remember the most are - Mrs. Henke because she was my aunt and had us memorize the fight song, which I still remember to this day. Mrs. Washington, my 4th grade teacher because she had the best smile and gave the best hugs. Ms. Jarnagin, my 6th grade teacher because she was easy to talk to and was always looking for ways to make bad days better.
What is your super power to be able to rock out the work you do?
Understanding the power of literature and allowing the kids to use their imagination and creativity through books and the use of technology. Being flexible doesn't hurt either.
What made you want to teach?
My little sister Erin! She has down syndrome and watching her become an outgoing, strong-willed adult because of family and teachers pushing her to be the best she could be showed me making a difference in a child's life is more important that the money it puts in the bank.
What gets you up everyday to go give your all to teaching?
Well, truthfully if my alarm doesn't wake me up, my animals do, but once I am up and have some prayer time in, I put my game face on so that I can hopefully impact at least one young person in a positive way each day.
If you could change one thing about education, what would you change?
The negative view of the teaching profession that the public, law-makers, and legislators seem to have towards public education.
Teachers are...:
OVERCOMERS!
What is one tip you would share to be a successful teacher?
Don't take yourself too seriously! Remember to laugh with your students and take in the positives of each day.
What would you do if you were not teaching?
I would be a Zoo Keeper. My mornings and evenings are spent taking care of the animals at our house. I think we are up to 26 animals on what my kids and I like to call our Zoo-Farm.
The last time you cried at the end of the day teaching was because of what?
Jan. 25th, each month when I look at my paycheck and think about all the sweat, tears and uncompensated time I and all my fellow teachers put into our profession to make it better, and it just breaks my heart to think of all the negative and lack of funding that we deal with in our profession.
Who inspires you in your work and why?
My coworkers who are in the trenches with me daily trying to do the best we can with the resources we are given to make a difference in our students' lives.
How would you describe a conversation with one of your students?: Entertaining!
You just never know what they will come up with. Some of my favorite story starters from students are... My mom said not to tell anyone but... or Don't tell my parents but...
What is it that the world does not know about teachers?
Teachers are dreamers trying to change the world through kids. Teachers are here to change lives, not for the summers!
Share your biggest joy teaching as of today?
Getting to see the joy in the students when they accomplish a new skill or have a fun activity that enhances their learning experience. One of my favorites, is having members of the community give back to the kids during Read Across America week and dress up like Cat in the Hat and act silly just to promote reading. The laughs and joy the students get from just a small act is priceless.
One thing that makes you smile?
In my personal life it is seeing my personal children show kindness towards others
In my teaching life our self-portrait books. I do monthly self-portraits throughout the year with every student and make books out of them at the end of the year. It is amazing to see the growth they have made in their handwriting, thought process, creativity, and artistically. It makes me smile to see the growth in EVERY student whether it be great or small, progress is always made!
Give me a name and school of another teacher I should interview that doesn't teach at your school.
Ms. Glenda Jarnagin at GUES
If you're interested in her tee-shirt, you can pick one up at Boutique 206.