Teacher of the Day

Name:  Sharon Lampman

School:  Guardian Angels Catholic School

Subject: Kindergarten

State:  Michigan

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?

It happend many years ago when I became a volunteer parent at my child's preschool. The director of the preschool asked me if I would like to run a parent Tot class. That is when I found myself in a new world. I was in the business world, working for the local hospital prior to that. Julie Bokor, the preschool director, inspired me to pursue a degree in Early Childhood and I continued on to get a degree in Elementary Education as well. I am currently a couple of classes away from attaining my masters degree in Early Childhood. It is all because of Julie Bokor.

How are things different for you now, compared to when you first started teaching?

I think the biggest difference I see is the parent involvement. So many parents are working now, that they don't spend the needed time with thier children at these very important developmental times in their lives. Or the children are involved in so many activities that school is not a priority.

What advice would you give to a new or struggling teacher?

Remember to always listen to a veteran teacher because they have so much to offer. Most of them would feel honored to share what they have learned over the years. Remember that everyone has their own style of teaching and everyone has their own ideas and just because it is not the way you do it, doesn't make it wrong. Remember that all children have the right to be given the chance to learn. Not all children are cut from the same cloth and that is what makes teaching so wonderful. Remember to love them, listen to them and most of all, help them to grow.

My best day in the classroom was when…

I received a note from a parent after her daughter began first grade at a new school. The child's first grade teacher told the parent that, "Your daughter's kindergarten teacher did an excellent job of preparing her for the first grade." That made me feel good inside because I try my hardest to teach in such a way that all my children will be successful when they move on.

What's your favorite part of the school year?

When we get to the 100th day of  school. The children have really begun to take off with all the pieces of the "Kindergarten Puzzle," which is my way of saying they have begun to grow academically and socially.

What is your one must-have item for the classroom?

Lots of manipulatives.

What do you eat for breakfast on school days?

A big glass of orange juice and a breakfast bar.

What movie or TV show do you secretly love?

Parent Trap (Lindsay Lohan version).

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