Meet Walking Classroom Ambassador Wendy Easler. Wendy is a consultant with the Toledo Public Schools in Ohio. She teaches a variety of grades and age levels. In fact, over the years, Wendy has worked with students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, and has even worked with adults! She has worked in education for five years in various capacities, and will be starting her second year using The Walking Classroom.
What are your memories of yourself when you were that age?
I remember being curious and being told not to color outside of lines. I also remember the teachers who believed in me no matter what my grades said. They knew I could do better.
What led you to become an educator?
I developed a love of reading late in life. I know as a child I hated it. I felt if I became an educator I could encourage students to love learning as much as I do. The earlier they develop a love of learning, the easier learning will be for them.
Share your educational philosophy in one to three sentences.
If you make the learning fun and engaging, even the most boring topics will become interesting to a student.
What is your favorite content area/topic to teach? Why?
Everything. Because I am a flexible person, I have taught so many different topics to students of various ages from kindergarten kids through adults. I love it all.
What is your favorite podcast or Walking Classroom memory and why?
I love the podcast about puns. It was funny to me and the teachers; however, some of the kids just did not get it. We tried to help them understand!
What is your best teaching memory?
I was working with students on budgeting. When one group realized they were short, they began going from team to team. When I asked them what they were doing, they said, “We are looking for a loan.” LOL!
What advice would you give to a new teacher?
Treat all students with respect. They all have so much potential for success, and you are the key to releasing it.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy crafting and graphic design.
Name something you’d like to cross off your bucket list.
I like to call it a leap list, with less focus on death and a positive focus on a goal before my next big leap. I want to go to Japan in EPCOT’s World Showcase, then actually go to Japan!
Do you have podcasts geared toward the Kindergaeten level?
I’m sorry, Vicki. The podcasts are really best for kids in grades 3 through 8.
I love your response to the question about your bucket list. Life should be about continuous leaps. I also want to visit Japan.
Thanks Tanya! It’s always encouraging to focus on the positive! I am glad you share the desire to visit Japan. I definitely want an opportunity to visit where Hello Kitty lives. LOL!