Andrea McCarthy
Middle School ELA Teacher
MY CLASSROOM
Student Work
I believe in the student-centered approach. When a teacher focuses his or her lesson around the students, the students' needs will be met because they will have choices/options as activists. Following this practice will allow the lesson to become experiential, holistic, authentic, expressive, reflective, social, collaborative, democratic, cognitive, developmental, constructivist and challenging. Allow me to tell you a story about Imari, a constant fidgeter with a bad reputation whose grandmother was her caretaker. Imari came to me for “life chats” as we came to call them, and she holds the most special place in my heart. When other teachers realized the connection I made with her, they would send Imari to my room when she was disruptive, sometimes three or four times a day to check in with me. Despite her imperfections, Imari’s passion is basketball. She scored 1,000 points in less than three years of play when most don’t achieve that pinnacle in four. Before the trend was a trend, Imari asked me to wear her basketball jersey on game day. I was so overwhelmed with emotion; the tears flowed as soon as I got in my car that evening. When I noticed Imari’s rare athletic caliber, I surprised her with the development of a student section of epic proportions. Countless teachers and administrators stepped up to make this special event possible. “The Cowboy Club,” a group of students interested in cheering on their peers, made signs, created chants, and came out to support Imari and her team in our school’s rival game. The gym surpassed maximum capacity. Imari took her team to the state playoffs that year, and I sent her off with a simple message: May all your swishes come true. Showing impressionable students that you are invested, encourages them to grow and make changes within themselves. From our life chats, Imari was better able to handle elite athletic pressure and refine her behavior.
The Classroom & Community
I believe in the classroom community. In creating an environment centralized around care and comfort, all students will feel empowered because they will play a role in something greater. Teachers must foster a desire for student learning by proving they care. Students will go above and beyond when a two-way road of respect and rapport is established. I open the opportunity for education by providing my students the strategies and skills to champion their own learning. Engagement happens when students confront, with an open mind, content exploration. Because students feel like my classroom is safe, and because I work hard to earn their trust, I’m confident in their ability to learn. They are welcomed in my classroom, they feel included in my classroom, and they belong in my classroom, so they learn.
Additionally, sustaining oneself in this profession is not entirely about collaborating with those in the building. To change the world, we need to bring in the world. I collaborated directly with USA Field Hockey, Olympic and Division One athletes, and members from US Lacrosse to bring the sports to multiple school districts. I was also able to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of these monumental coaches and lead professional development for hundreds of my peer teachers. I’ve invited some of the most inspiring Veterans to speak in my and coworkers' classrooms… humbling beyond words. Our community’s lawyers, judges, and police officers have all assisted our fierce mock trial along with me in my best Ruth Bader Ginsburg outfit, gavel and all. Philosopher Aurelius Augustinus once said, “What you want to ignite in others, must first burn within yourself.” Energy is electric, enthusiasm is contagious, and therefore what you put into this world will always be what you get out. That’s what makes teaching one of the most sustainable professions. We know that we impact our students long after they are released from our care.
Extracurricular
I believe in the importance of optimism. Teachers can change the lives of their students- in the classroom, on the field, after-school. Therefore, a teacher's positivity will seep into their students because teachers are role models. In fact, when a teacher is passionate, this will aid in student immersion. Humans naturally imitate one another. Part of being an exceptional teacher is showing students that you are well-rounded, encouraging them to develop broadly. When I tell them they need to go out and change the world, they believe they can. In a way, we push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. My students love to check in regarding my stick sports teams, including both field hockey and lacrosse. Field hockey is entirely new to the southern part of the country, and if you hear about it in the south, chances are you’ll find me there. For as much energy as I put into teaching, I put just as much into creating new extracurricular opportunities. There were over one hundred people at Kinnett Stadium last year when I hosted the first intra-Georgian field hockey game in the history of the state. When Jenna scored the first goal, I never jumped higher. Watching the athletes share this moment together – I knew this was something they would remember for the rest of their lives and I cannot think of many things more significant.