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Angela Rush, learning through the hard parts of the last year

| 29 Apr 2021 | 01:24
    Angela Rush, learning through the hard parts of the last year
    Angela Rush, learning through the hard parts of the last year
    Angela Rush, learning through the hard parts of the last year
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7, we asked local students to write us about their favorite teachers. You’ll find some of those letters in the print edition of the paper this week. We then then went out and interviewed those rock star educators. Here’s our teacher spotlight on Angela Rush.

By Patricia Keller

How long have you been teaching?

This is my 19th year teaching.

Tell us about the good and the bad of the last year:

The past year has been a huge learning experience. It has been the hardest year of teaching for me. The obstacles that have been overcome have all been learning experiences. The good – I was able to gain a whole new appreciation for parenting and teaching alike, and evaluate my strengths and weaknesses. The bad – children are being neglected of a full learning experience with online/remote learning. The children in primary grades are missing out on the social interaction of peers and the concept of a classroom community. A large part of Kindergarten curriculum is social skills. The bad again – it is hard to feel that you are making a difference and doing your job to your full ability while teaching through a computer.

What motivates you?

My students motivate me! When I hear a child say “I don’t want this day to end” or “this was the best day ever!” reminds me, despite the challenges, of why I do what I do every day!

What’s the secret of being a great teacher?

I’m still waiting to find out. Knowing that these children are relying on you and wanting to impress them as much as they want to impress you.

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone who is considering becoming a teacher?

Do it! It is the most rewarding career – each day is different. I would also advise anyone to accept that not everything is going to be perfect all the time.

I always wanted to be a teacher. I played “teacher” from the time I was four years old. I also had an amazing teacher in high school who motivated me to follow my dream of becoming a teacher.