In her first year of teaching, Allyssa Wilson isn’t afraid to experiment, incorporating art, science or different types of movement into her lesson plans for her kindergartners at Fisher Grade School.
For the former accounting student and Thomasboro native, engaging with her students and helping them grasp concepts has made her first school year enjoyable.
I find my work important because … every day I’m able to instill values and knowledge into children! You never know how life is outside of our four walls in the classroom. Being able to truly influence in a positive way and give out a lot of love hopefully makes these kiddos feel valued and safe. As an educator, I think the most important thing, making kiddos feel valued and loved while growing as individuals. They are our future.
I became a teacher because … growing up, I didn’t learn as quickly and wasn’t the perfect kid in class. As I got older, I noticed how much I felt drawn to teaching to help other kids know that even when they’re struggling or something is very challenging — you can do it! Getting to be my students’ cheerleader in the classroom is super rewarding.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … This one is a hard one for me, a lot of the units and lessons I’ve been able to do this year have been so fun! But I will say, any lesson I’m able to do where I can incorporate art, movement or science into them is my favorite. We did an apple unit earlier this year — the kids learned so many different things, and I was able to incorporate it into writing, math, art and science. It was a huge favorite for the kids, too, especially when they got to make their own applesauce and enjoy it afterward. I think any lesson you teach where the kids follow it with “this is the best day ever” or “this is so fun,” and they can recall what you’re teaching them is a great lesson.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … you can see what you’re teaching click. That moment everyone talks about when a child finally grasps the concept, it really does happen. Especially in a kindergarten classroom, you see it a lot. They’re learning so many different aspects of life, not just how to read or count.
But outside of the knowledge part, I will say the most fulfilling moments are when my students tell me they love me or that, “Miss Wilson, you’re the best teacher ever! You’re so fun!” While I know I am their first teacher ever, that connection with them makes it so special. It’s great knowing you matter to your students, especially when they mean so much to you.
I keep students engaged by … trying to have as much fun as possible. While at times I have a pretty calm classroom, you can walk in any given day and we are being silly. If I can grab their attention by giving them avenues to be adventurous or move around, I’ll try it.
Something else I’m passionate about is … my family. We’ve always been very close and spend a lot of time together. Every day, I call both of my parents. Making sure that the people I love are OK/happy comes before anything.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … My favorite teacher was Mrs. Schlosser, at Thomasboro Grade School. She was my first-grade teacher. I remember being so scared when I changed schools in the middle of the school year, she really made me feel safe and cared about. My favorite subject in school was math. I wish I could say reading, because that’s my favorite thing to teach now.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … an accountant. Before I went into education, that was my goal. In the middle of getting that degree, I decided it wasn’t for me. I finished that degree and then went back for teaching.
— ANTHONY ZILIS