Philadelphia Language Arts Teachers Believes Patience Is A Necessity
Ms. Deitch earned her bachelor's degree in English and her master's in teaching from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Willa Deitch is now a language arts teacher at the Philadelphia YouthBuild Charter School. This school offers a one-year program for high school dropouts to earn their degrees. YouthBuild Philadelphia is affiliated with the non-profit national organization YouthBuild USA. The organization helps low-income individuals develop the tools necessary to become productive adults within their community through education and learned life skills.
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?
"Teaching in a classroom environment is both challenging and extremely rewarding at the same time. We live in a world where 'standard academic education' is fundamentally at odds with the booming and exciting technological and pop-culture world which many students are a part of. Additionally, my students deal with adversity and challenges in their outside-of-school lives. Therefore the question, 'how can I make my curriculum and my class the most important thing in my students' lives for 75 minutes?' guides my everyday planning. Teaching in a classroom, the instructor is confined and forced to make the environment inside of their four walls boom with so many competing, yet important skills. Therefore, achieving the perfect balance of all these skills in a student-centered room where the student is in the driver seat is a perfect challenge, yet the most beautiful reward when achieved."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"Continuing education courses are absolutely beneficial for teachers; in fact, I would argue, they are necessary. I was lucky enough to be sent by my school to a continuing education course on "Teaching Complex Texts". It was by far one of the best professional development opportunities of my career. Not only did it reignite my love for reading, but it reignited my love to be the best instructor of reading for my students."
Do you feel a master's education would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"It really depends on the program. A master's from a program that specializes in urban education has definitely benefited me as a professional and has helped me tremendously in my work with Philadelphia youth."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?
"Patience is necessary for both working with students directly and on the backend where the planning takes place. Schedules change, students change, timing changes—patience is the only thing that will get you through those changes. Secondly, be passionate about what you teach, why you teach and how you teach. Students learn best from teachers who exude genuine passion. Lastly, don't forget to take care of yourself. I know it sounds trite, but teaching is far more than a job or a career, it is a way of life. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to take yourself outside of your lesson plans and your students and ask yourself, 'what am I doing for me?' You can't be the best teacher if you aren't your best self."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/
