An elementary, middle, and high school teacher gave an inside look into their first weeks at Frenship ISD.
Three Frenship ISD teachers were interviewed about the beginning of their first year experience. Although they teach different grades and subjects, it is clear from their interviews that Frenship has been an exciting and welcoming place for new educators.
Jennifer Harrison is a first grade teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary.
Q: What has your first week been like as a first year teacher?
A: It’s been so exciting a little bit crazy! It’s surreal to have my own classroom after so many years of being in school.
Q: What has been your favorite part of working for Frenship ISD?
A: The feeling of community that Frenship has. I also appreciate that everyone has been so much help! We recently went to a math training. A coworker was willing to sit down with me and walk me through it, and that’s just on example of so many ways everyone has been willing to support me.
Q: What are you most looking forward to throughout the rest of the year?
A: I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know my students better and continuing to watch them grow. I have one student who did not know a single word of English when he came into my class. In just nine days, he’s already using words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ consistently. I’m so excited to watch my students grow even more.
Tanner Pylant is a history teacher and volleyball, basketball, and track coach at Frenship Middle School.
Q: What has been your favorite part of working for Frenship ISD?
A: I really appreciate how welcoming everyone has been. The staff, administration, and even the first year teacher training have all had a very welcoming vibe.
Q: What has your greatest challenge been as a first year teacher?
A: Balancing everything has been my greatest challenge: developing relationships, sports, classroom management, and more. I’m really learning to use time more effectively.
Q: What are you most looking forward to throughout the rest of the year?
A: I’m excited to see how our athletic teams perform. I’m also excited to see the kids learn history so that they can understand where our country has been and appreciate where we are now.
Maria Tabares is a Spanish teacher at Frenship High School.
Q: What has your first week been like as a first year teacher?
A: The whole experience has been a learning curve. I’m quickly learning what works and what doesn’t, so I feel like I’m really starting to get the hang of things.
Q: What has your greatest challenge been as a first year teacher?
A: So far the biggest challenge has just been learning so many names!
Q: What has been your favorite part of working for Frenship ISD?
A: I love that I can always get help whenever I need it! Even my students have been more than willing to help in any way they can. It’s an extremely welcoming feeling.
Q: What advice would you give to a first year teacher after going through this experience?
A: I would tell any new teacher to always be prepared with at least two backup plans in the event that something unexpected happens!
Frenship ISD is grateful for all of the first year teachers and the fantastic work they are doing across the district!