Featured Interview with Erin Klein

- Can you tell us a bit about your history as an educator?

I began my college career as an interior design major. While at Michigan State University, I was about eighteen credits shy of completing my program; however, when my husband and I found that we were expecting, I found it a perfect time to reflect on my long-term goals. I decided to change my program and start coursework geared towards education. After my daughter, Riley, was born, I knew that I wanted to be the type of teacher I’d like for her to one day have.

I completed my undergraduate degree and immediately got a job teaching first grade.  The following year, I was transferred to the middle school where I worked doing literacy intervention work with sixth and seventh grade students for a Title I school.  I also completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.  During this time, I traveled the country attending professional development workshops to strengthen my knowledge in the area of Response to Intervention.  I had the opportunity to co-teach the next year at the middle school level.  This was an enriching experience full of personal and professional growth.

The next year, I decided to return to the elementary level and joined the private school sector.  I now teach second grade to a fabulous group of students.  I'm fortunate to be a part of an amazing community of professionals, parents, and students.

- What grade levels and subjects have you taught?

I have taught first, sixth, seventh, and second grade.  I have also taught both in the public and private sector.

- After being in the classroom, what have you learned about kids?

I have learned that kids love to create, they love to share their ideas, they love to be accepted, and they love to build relationships with their peers and their teachers.

- If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself about teaching, what would it be? What would you tell someone thinking about becoming a teacher?

I would tell myself to save my books.  There have been so many wonderful children's books that I've passed along to others or sold at garage sales.  I wish I had all of them for my classroom library.

Something I'd tell someone thinking about becoming a teachers... Being a new teacher is one of the most precious times of your life.  There will be hugs, tears, and smiles.  Always be true to yourself and honest with others.  Stay current on best-practices and always keep strong pedagogy in mind.  Remember that technology is not about bells and whistles but rather a tool to enhance the learning objective.  Remember to stay organized and do not become overwhelmed with the ‘little stuff.’  Enjoy every moment and stay grounded in your purpose for your profession.

- Public or Private school? Why?

Both - I honestly believe the community is what makes the school (not the public/private factor).  I've worked in a wonderful public school and a terrific private school.  

- A common notion that society has on teachers is that they have a lot of vacation time. How do you spend your vacation time and is all the time off as good as people portray it to be?

Being a teacher isn't something I do.  Being a teacher is who I am.  Therefore, I'm always tweeting, pinning on Pinterest, archiving resources, Skyping with educators, attending conferences, blogging, and having conversations with others about teaching.  Yes, my school day ends at 2:40; however, we are required to be available until 3:15.  By the time I prepare for the next day, it's often 4:00 or so.   Additionally, I work at a school that is 63 miles from where we live.  Driving through metro Detroit traffic after school takes a good 90 minutes to get home.  As far as vacations, I use my time off to catch up on dentist appointments, attend summer workshops (this summer I'll be at ISTE and a few A Plus workshops), and spending time with my family.  I also use my summer time to redesign my classroom space and organize for the upcoming year.  Plus, even though the students aren't back to school doesn't mean the teachers aren't.  We spend a few weeks before the kids return attending in-service professional development meetings and grade-level planning meetings.

- How do you feel technology has impacted education today?

I am very passionate about educational technology.  While in college, I managed a business for a number of years. For this corporation, I developed all of their training materials. I traveled to new locations and facilitated the launch of new openings. This process from hiring, training, and developing materials helped to solidify my passion for education. It was easy for me to work with the adults I coached. I had a lot of time to shape the manner in which I dealt with different individuals and personalities. This practice opened my eyes to a style of management that proved to be quite effective: facilitation. I enjoyed presenting the framework and then observing the collaboration of the staff. Their collective creativity brought a heightened sense of quality to the company. I quickly learned that they were much more invested in their position by the ownership they had in their ideas. Therefore, I absolutely believe that my role in business helps (even today) the role I play in the classroom. Regarding technology… it’s simple: if the tool fits – use it. There are days where my students are so very invested in technology, (even as second graders) and there are days where we simply create using our hands and collaborate with each other. I believe balance is the key. It’s important to integrate technology not because ‘it’s the way of this generation’ but because it is effective and streamlines instruction. As the famous quote goes… “The more ways you teach, the more students you reach.” Because technology is engaging and offers platforms to differentiate, when used appropriately, it truly can impact learning in a positive manner.

- What are your main interests in the field of education? What educational topics do you focus on?

My main interest in education include: technology integration and Socratic teaching.  

- What influenced you to want to become a teacher?

I began my college career as an interior design major. While at Michigan State University, I was about eighteen credits shy of completing my program; however, when my husband and I found that we were expecting, I found it a perfect time to reflect on my long-term goals. I decided to change my program and start coursework geared towards education. After my daughter, Riley, was born, I knew that I wanted to be the type of teacher I’d like for her to one day have.

- Complete this phrase: Teaching is…………….who I am, not what I do.