Theresa McCabe, Westbrook School, West Milford
Posted on: Tuesday, 15 July 2008, 15:00 CDT
TEACHER PROFILE:
Theresa McCabe has been a fourth grade teacher at West-brook School in West Milford for nine years. In total, she has been teaching for 17 years. Mrs. McCabe is involved in many after school clubs at Westbrook, including the homework, drama and yoga clubs. She has also helped the school's music teacher this year in producing a fourth-grade play.
* When and why did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided to become a teacher when I was in third grade and blessed with a wonderful teacher, Mrs. West. She made me realize that teachers were real people that went home to their families every day just like everyone else. She also created a love of learning in me and gave me the desire to teach others. It was at this point that I became the neighborhood teacher, playing school in my yard, on the front porch and even in my grandmother's living room. I even continued this schoolteacher pattern while staying home to raise my three children, using my kitchen as my classroom every afternoon for homework and study time.
* What high school/college did you attend? What degrees or certifications do you currently hold?
I attended Pascack Valley High School and then William Paterson University where I received a bachelor's degree in education. I also attended Ramapo College for a master's in educational technology.
* Do you hold any education-related awards or achievements?
I was chosen as Westbrook School's Teacher of the Year in 2006.
* Do you intend to further your own education at some point? What plans do you have?
Yes, I do intend to further my education. As long as I'm teaching I feel it is very important for me to keep learning new things to share with my students. While working at Westbrook I have received a master's degree. I continually attend workshops and in-services on technology, math, social studies and reading. Also, in the future I would like to take additional on-line courses in math and reading.
* What was your favorite subject as a student?
My favorite subject has always been math.
* Who has been the most inspirational "teacher" to you? In what way did he/she influence you?
My most inspirational teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. West. She always seemed to be happy and made learning a fun experience. As a child I liked going to school, it was always a happy environment in Mrs. West's classroom. We worked hard in school but she created a good learning atmosphere where children, felt safe, comfortable, and special. I try to emulate that environment in my classroom because I truly believe children need to be comfortable, happy, and feel special in their learning situation.
* What do you like most about being a teacher?
The best part for me is working with the students. Children are like sponges, in that the more you give them the more they will absorb. I love teaching one subject while integrating another subject and seeing the look on their faces as they connect things to their own lives.
* What is the most challenging part of being a teacher?
The most challenging part for me is doing my best for every student. I want to be sure to challenge every student to reach his or her fullest potential. I want to be sure to give reinforcement to the child that is struggling. I am, however, very blessed to work with a great support staff that I communicate with daily for the needs of specific children. I also try to communicate often with the parents. When we all work together, the school and the family I feel our students benefit and can accomplish great things.
* What challenges do teachers today have that did not exist years ago?
One challenge is keeping teaching interesting and exciting at a time when assessment is playing such a large role in education.
* What is your most memorable moment as a teacher?
One year I had a student that found school work very difficult and challenging and, therefore, disliked school. Aside from wanting to teach this student some basic skills my other goal was to make him enjoy school. I would give him little pep talks and tell him how much he was going to enjoy the school year. One day we even made a promise to each other. I promised him if he didn't like school by the end of the year I owed him a candy bar and he promised if he liked school he owed me a chocolate bar. Well, on the last day of school I went in with the biggest candy bar I could find but to my surprise he walked into class with a bouquet of daisies and guess what? A chocolate bar!!! I think that day we both received the GRAND PRIZE! He was happy to be in school and I was happy because now he was ready to learn!
* What, in your opinion, is the most important lesson that one can be taught?
Children need to know how very special they are; each and everyone of them. They need to know that they each have special gifts and talents. We as educators need to teach our students to develop these talents and that learning never stops. Learning shouldn't shut down during summer vacation and school breaks. Students should be taught to become life-long learners.
* What lessons have you learned through the teaching profession?
I feel that I've learned to be more patient and understanding, knowing that every child has different learning styles and abilities. I've learned to be a better listener, and to think about feelings and what else is going on in a child's life outside of school. I've also learned that sometimes it's better to let another child explain a math problem to a classmate which helps both students understand math better.
* What are your favorite hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are gardening, walking in the Ringwood Botanical Gardens, and reading.
* What is your favorite book/music/movies? Why?
My favorite book would be any one of the Mitford Series because the books were sweet, refreshing and about kind and caring people. My favorite music would be oldies or country. I like oldies because they bring back happy memories. As for movies, I like love stories or shows with lots of music and dancing. Love stories are sweet and musicals are fun and uplifting.
***
MY TEACHER:
Mrs. McCabe makes the grade - By JEREMY N.
Mrs. McCabe was one of my best and favorite teachers. She was my fourth-grade teacher. Our class was fun and I learned many things from her. I appreciated how she made sure everyone in the class learned the lesson before going on, and it seemed she never fell behind in her plans. She always found unique ways to teach us what we needed to know. For example, to teach us about the solar system, she had us do a project where all the kids picked a planet to research. Next, we formed groups and made a short movie while showing a created model. It was the best project I have ever done.
Mrs. McCabe always seemed to understand us. One thing that sticks out in my mind is she always told us everyone feels the same way you do during school. She taught my friends and me that it is okay to be nervous, but don't stop doing things because you are nervous. I still remember Mrs. McCabe's words when I do something I am unsure of. That lesson has helped me through many activities. Mrs. McCabe is an outstanding teacher and she taught me many things. I am very glad she was my teacher!***
(c) 2008 Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.
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