I graduated from California State University, Stanislaus in 2002 with my Bachelor of Arts and received
my Multiple Teaching Credential in Spring of 2003.
Where do you work, and what grade do you teach?
Winton Middle School, Merced, CA
7th Grade Literature, Language, and History
Why did you choose this grade level instead of another (eg. middle, high school)?
My biggest interest is affecting change and my best quality is my patience. These two things make me
well-suited to teach middle school students.
When did you decide to become a teacher?
I had a really good teacher in third grade and she was my inspiration. Her encouraging words, “I
challenge you to make your life a masterpiece,” have motivated me to become what I am today, a teacher.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
The great teachers I have had throughout my education are my role models. I wanted to excel at the
things in which they excelled, but I also experienced teachers who were not effective, and they too
taught me something. I realized that to be a teacher is truly a calling of not just the mind, but the heart
as well.
If you had it to do all over again, would you still be a teacher? Why or why not?
Definitely! I believe that education is perhaps one of the most important functions performed in our
culture. I believe that teachers can not only change the world, but improve it. I want to be a part of this
noble profession, and someday to be counted among those that inspired.
What was the most difficult part of the teacher-credentialing program?
The most difficult part of the teacher-credentialing program for me would be financial. I didn’t received
enough financial aid to cover all of my tuition and living expenses during the credential program,
so I ended up taking a loan for that year.
Please describe the student teaching portion of your training and how you felt during it.
I did student teaching during the spring semester. We were told by our supervisor that we’ll be in two
placements: one with a lower grade (k-4th) and the other with an upper grade (5th-8th grade). My
first placement was with a kindergarten class in Livingston which is about 20 minutes away from my
home. I learned that a kindergarten teacher plays a key role in the early development of children aged
from 4 to 6 years old. The teacher’s input can affect the way children shape their view of the world and
of themselves. It was such an awesome experience at this grade level and for having a really good
master teacher. My second placement was supposed to an upper grade level, but the program couldn’t
find me a placement, so they placed me with a 3rd grade class. My master teacher was an older
generation teacher, who does not allow herself to be with up-to-date technology. She doesn’t even use
a transparency projector or her TV. I didn’t really learn much from her except to better myself in every
aspect that I can.
As a young, female, Hmong teacher, how do your students/parents/colleagues treat you?
Being a teacher is being a sales person of knowledge and the pursuit of knowledge. You have to look at
your target audience and figure out how to make what you’re selling desirable and relevant to your
students, parents, and colleagues. This may sound detached and without inspiration but in my
experience it really is true. My students, parents, and colleagues highly respect me for who I am and for
what I do. I believe that an honest and sincere relationship with the people that we work with everyday
is the greatest tool a teacher can possess. I look forward everyday to work and seeing my students and
colleagues!
Have you done parent-teacher conferences yet? If so, how did they go and how did you feel doing them?
We just had our conferences during the last week of October and it went very well. As a class average,
97% had showed up for conferences. During conferences, I tell the parents what I believe are their
child’s strengths, as well as talk about areas their child has weaknesses in. Before they leave, I go over
ways they can help their child at home and praise the parents for supporting their child’s education. I
look forward each year to parent conferences because it gives me the opportunity to meet all of my
parents and to share with them what I’ve learned about their child.
Describe a typical day at work for you.
Contract hour begins @ 7:45 am
1st Period-Literature
2nd Period-Flex Period (no students-prep time)
3rd Period-Language
Break (Teachers on duty)
4th Period-History
5th Period-History
Lunch
6th Period-Literature
7th Period-Language
Contract hours end @ 3:15pm
Was your perception of a teacher’s job accurate? If not, what are the differences?
Yes, because teaching is not a get-rich quick profession; it offers opportunities for advancement and
increased pay over time. Teaching also offers benefits such as health, dental, vision, and sick days, so it
actually pays a lot more than you think.
Do you have to spend a lot of time outside of school hours preparing material and grading papers, etc.?
With students in school just six hours a day, I often spend much less time on the job than my corporate
counterparts leading to time for family, friends, and other interest. I will even have some long days:
conferences week, after-school meetings and/or activities. In addition, I organize the Winton Spirit
Squad which requires many after school hours and sometimes I work on the weekends.
Students get all the holidays and vacations off, do you get them off as well?
Yes, it is the best part of teaching!!
How often do you have to attend staff meetings/trainings?
We have our staff meeting every Fridays, because we’re on a shorter school schedule. Instead of school
getting out at 3:05, school is out on Friday at 2:05. The reminder of the time till 3:05 is reserved for staff
meetings. Sometime, it’s by grade level, subject level, whole staff meeting, and professional learning
collaboration training.
What information about being a teacher do you wish you had known before deciding on this career?
Since third grade, I had always been inspired to become a teacher. Throughout my education career, I
had researched enough information to be what I am today.
What advice do you have for students interested in becoming teachers?
As a teacher, your day doesn’t necessarily end when the school bell rings. If you’re conscientious, you
will be involved in after school meetings, committees, assisting students, grading homework,
assignments, projects, and calling parents. All these demand some sacrifice of your personal time. If
you’re committed to excellence as a teacher, it’s a sacrifice you can live with. If not, you will be
uncomfortable at best.
Is there anything else you would like students to know about being a teacher?
My favorite quote:
“A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how
much money I had in the bank…but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the
life of a child.” ~ Forest Witchcraft
| Teacher Interview |
| Mrs. Ta Vang |
