Meet Walking Classroom Ambassador Teri Webb. Mrs. Webb is in her seventh year using The Walking Classroom with fourth grade students at Springside Elementary in Utah. Mrs. Webb has been teaching for fifteen years.
What are your memories of yourself when you were the age of your students?
The biggest thing I remember about fourth grade was that I had a man for a teacher, Mr. Parker. I believe he was the only male teacher at our school. I got chicken pox at the end of the year, and I missed the last two weeks of school.
What led you to become an educator?
My grandma was a teacher. She taught first grade for 32 years and was amazing! She had kids inviting her to their weddings and other life events until the day she died. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher like her. I was an only child, and she would “play school” with me all the time. Then, when I got married, both of my in-laws were teachers also. It seemed pretty much meant to be at that point.
Share your educational philosophy in one to three sentences.
My philosophy on education is to approach everything I can with an element of literacy. I believe reading is the biggest key to success, and I do everything I can to foster a love of reading with my students.
What is your favorite content area/topic to teach? Why?
You’d probably think I’d say reading, but I’d actually have to say science. However, I always incorporate amazing literature into my science lessons!
How have you incorporated The Walking Classroom into your teaching?
I almost always tie my Walking Classroom lessons into whatever we are learning in class at the time. Integration is key to getting through all I need to teach. I love to show one of the videos that go along with each podcast before going out for a walk. This allows my kids to have some background information about what they will be listening to, and it sets the tone for our learning.
How has The Walking Classroom made a difference in your classroom?
The Walking Classroom has given my kids an alternate way to learn and gather information. It gives everyone a chance to get up and out of their seats, and to move around. I think that really helps some kids stay on track for the day.
What is your favorite podcast or Walking Classroom memory, and why?
Last year I had two students that would pick up trash as we walked. They didn’t mind that they had to carry it with them, or that no one else helped. They just did it because it was a good thing to do. That always impressed me so much!
What is your best teaching memory?
Probably one of my best teaching memories actually came in the form of a letter from one of my students. In her letter she said, “I love being in your class. It makes me feel at home but a shorter amount of time.” That was the best part! It also went on to thank me for all the privileges and fun stuff I let them do and for reading all the books!
What advice would you give to a new teacher?
Be flexible, because nothing will go the way you think it will, and go home at the end of the day! Don’t feel bad about it either!!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
READ! I also love to travel, go out in our Jeep, watch soccer games, and snuggle with my cat.
Name something you’d like to cross off your bucket list.
I would like to see all 50 states. So far I am only at 23, but a trip back east this summer will add four more to my list and then I’ll be over half way.
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