Reynolds Elementary teacher marks nearly 25 years at school: 'Becoming an educator was my calling'

Tonya Houston is a third-grade reading/ELA and social studies teacher at Reynolds Elementary. At the conclusion of this school year, it will mark 25 years that she has spent at the school. To commemorate her service, she reflected on a number of topics in a Q&A centered around her experience as an educator. 

Q: What is your role/teach and how long have you been at your school? 

A: I am a third-grade reading/ELA and social studies teacher at Reynolds Elementary. I have taught at Reynolds for 24 years. At the conclusion of the school year, it will be 25 years. 

Q: Why did you become an educator? 

A: Becoming an educator was my calling, my purpose. From the early age of 3 or 4, it was evident to my parents and others, that I would become a teacher/educator. Teaching has always been my first and ONLY career choice. It’s a challenging yet rewarding profession! My dad (who is now deceased) would often tell the story of how he and my mother would observe me in my room talking to my imaginary students and instructing them. LOL. My dad would often say, “You were born to teach”. 

Q: What have you learned about teaching that you did not learn about in school? 

A: I’ve learned how to navigate and juggle between the various roles that teachers perform daily, in addition to the primary role of teacher; teaching students. These roles include: counselor, librarian, interventionist, custodian, nurse, classroom parent, or whatever role the student is in need of. 

Q: What was most surprising to you about being a teacher? 

A: The amount of time it takes to prepare lessons, set up classrooms, and organize. When I was a student, it seemed as though teaching was very easy, fun, and required very little prep time. Boy was I wrong! Perhaps I viewed teaching in this way because of the AWESOME teachers I had! 

Q: How has education changed for you since becoming a teacher and how have you responded to the change? 

A: There has been a drastic shift in education with a focus on technology. Virtual learning is now a common learning alternative. More lessons and activities are now available via technology. I have responded to this change by sharpening my technology skills via professional development trainings, and assistance from colleagues. 

Q: What are the most common barriers you see to academic progress in your classroom? 

A: Having adequate resources, increased parental involvement, a wide range of learning levels and curriculum setbacks due to the pandemic have been some ongoing opportunities. We continue to tackle these barriers every day. 

Q: How do you see the role of the teacher in the learning process? 

A: The teacher provides information and guides students to discover new information. The role of the teacher is very crucial in the learning process. The teacher serves as the facilitator or guide as students climb the academic ladder of success. 

Q: How do you measure academic progress? 

A: Academic progress is measured by student engagement, student portfolios (work samples), informal and formal assessments, and daily conversations. 

Q: How do you help a student struggling academically or socially? 

A: First, I establish or build a relationship with the student and let them know by words and actions that I am concerned about them and interested in them being successful in the classroom and in life. Then I will provide the assistance needed academically (tutoring, small group instruction, one-to-one instruction) or socially (refer to counselor if needed, provide positive praise to build self-confidence. 

Q: Can you share an example of a student who was struggling, what did they struggle with, what was their emotional state during it, how were they helped, and what happened after help was provided to them? 

A: When I taught second grade, there was a male student who struggled with reading and slight attention deficit. Each week, I would send a decodable book home with student to be read to his parents and/or siblings. The books would increase in level based upon student’s progress. As a result of an increase in the student’s reading and comprehension ability, his self-confidence also increased. Mom stated that he wanted to read to her often, even when she was tired and wanted to sleep! LOL 

Q: What kinds of questions do you suggest parents ask their children on a daily basis about their classes? 

A: What new information did you learn today? Did anything exciting happen today in class? Did you struggle with any skill/activity/lesson today? If so, did you ask for help from teacher or classmate? How can I help or assist with your learning? 

Q: What can parents do at home to support you and their children? 

A: Promote literacy in the home, by encouraging students to read. Visit the local libraries and bookstores. Provide students with books or magazines relating to their area of interest. Watch television shows and the news with students and discuss what was viewed. Ask students questions that require more than a” yes” or “no” answer. This will help increase their thinking skills. 

Q: What can the community do to help your school and its teachers? 

A: Volunteer time and donate resources when opportunities present themselves. We are a Title 1 school with various needs, yet limited resources. 

Q: What do you think the public should know more about your school and its programs? 

A: Reynolds Elementary is a hidden jewel in the Sunnyside Community. The teachers and staff at Reynolds Elementary are passionate and dedicated to serving our students daily. 

Q: Is there anything else that you would like the public to know? 

A: Many teachers (experienced as well as novice) are leaving the profession at an alarming rate. The sacrifices and efforts given by teachers are invaluable especially during a time where educators are undervalued. Teachers make all other professions possible.