Running head: Michelle burress: teacher interview 1

Michelle Burress: Teacher Interview

Hayley E. Frye
Professor Debbie Covalt
EDUC 101
Ivy Tech Community College

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Introduction
There are millions of teachers all over the world. Every single one is different. One
teacher might be for standardized testing; the other might be against standardized testing. It is
very common for teachers to have different views and opinions on several topics. But, the one
thing all teachers have is they want to change a students life, and they do. In this teacher
interview, I spoke with a very beloved teacher who loves what she does. Every day she wakes up
with a smile on her face because she gets to see her students. This teacher has taught me more
than just state standards, but many more life lessons I will take with me in my future. This
interview will cover standards 1, 4, and 6.

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Michelle Burress: Teacher Interview

Teacher Responses
I sat down with Michelle Burress, freshman English, journalism, and publications high
school teacher, and asked about her values on teaching. Burress was very enthusiastic and
excited to talk about her passion of teaching. Usually she is the one teaching students how to
interview, and now the tables have turned. When asked what sparked Burress interest in teaching
she responded with, When I went to college, I had always wanted to be a teacher, but someone
talked me into going into journalism because I was the editor-in-chief of my high school
yearbook and loved it. However, in my heart I knew I should be a teacher, so I went back to
school after being out of college for five years and got my teaching degree. Burress said.
Burress has been teaching for 18 years and in those 18 years she has taught, freshman English,
yearbook, newsmagazine, mass media, and journalism.
I love publications classes. The kids are amazing. They want to be there and they truly
want to create a quality product. Burress responded when asked about her favorite grade level to
teach. One of Burress essentials for every teacher is having a sense of humor. There are going
to be bad days and you just have to laugh them off. Plus, kids are hilarious. Its so much more
fun to laugh than get on [a students] case. Burress also advised to have thick skin because kids
will hurt your feelings. Get over it. Burress added, Have a heart of compassion. You have no
idea what the kids in your classes are dealing with on a daily basis. You may be the only one they
have. Teachers also need a spirit of perseverance according to Burress. After I questioned
Burress on how she maintains confidentiality and liability in her classroom she had no further
hesitation to say, Never, ever talk about another student. Do not even use that student as an

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example. Diversity does not play a huge role at Plainfield High School, however the minority
students who do attend PHS are welcomed and accepted, Burress mentioned. Burress ended this
interview on her advice to new teachers and her philosophy on teaching. Every time I did
something with the yearbook/newsmagazine staff counts as a favorite memory. Those kids are
my kids. We have so much fun on field trips, worknights, and bonding times. Burress
teaching philosophy is, Every child is an individual. No, you cant create a personalized plan for
each student, but you can try to get to know them what they like, what they feat, what they
excel at, where they struggle and meet them there. Let them know that each of them matters
and it important.
Comparing and Contrasting Beliefs
Michelle Burress is a very wise and personable teacher. Every answer she gave was
justifiable based on having her as a teacher for four years. Some of her statements I agree on,
some I try to disagree on, or strongly agree/disagree. One of the most admirable things about
Mrs. Burress is learning that she went back to school and followed her dreams. It takes a lot to
go back to school, especially to be a teacher where most people just consider it a bad career with
no money. I believe that that is the start of her becoming a great teacher. I also loved her advice.
You do need to laugh and not be so uptight with your students, because if you are, you will not
get anywhere. Having thick skin is also a good trait to develop. Students can be really mean. I
read her interview over and over, trying to find something I even slightly disagree with, and I
cannot. Mrs. Burress is an amazing teacher. She inspired me every single day I was in her
classroom and pushed me to the place where I am today. She has been a second mother to me
and the best educator.
Personal Beliefs about Teaching.

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I am extremely passionate about teaching. I have wanted to be a special education
teacher since I was a sophomore in high school. A lot of my beliefs, I share with Mrs. Burress. I
strongly believe in letting a student talk. What Ive learned throughout my years of being in a
special education classroom, you have to let those students talk. If something is on a students
mind, he/she will not let it go until it is out. I see a lot of teachers hush their students and do not
let them speak. I believe if you do this, the student will either shut down completely, or that one
thought will consume their mind for the remainder of the lesson, or whenever they can get it out.
I understand things need to be taught and we do not have all day to sit and chit chat, but if you let
the student say their one comment and say, Cool, we can talk more about it later the student
will feel much better and ready to focus. Another one of my huge beliefs in teaching is no child
left behind. Not only is this a legal act, but its something all teachers should follow. I will never
have a question go unanswered. Right when I see a hand go up, I answer the question. In my
opinion, saving it for later is not going to help because that student has a question on the topic
now and not in 20 minutes. Overall, I highly believe in paying attention to your students; that is
the key for a great classroom relationship.
Reasons for Wanting to Teach.
I first stepped foot into a special education classroom when I was a sophomore in high
school. I was completely overwhelmed with how welcoming the students were in that classroom.
I was taken away by the unconditional love I felt the teachers give off. I knew that was what I
wanted to do. At first, I was not sure how to act around the students. I did not want to baby them.
They wanted to be treated like adults and your peers, not like a three year old. I took that class
every semester since then, even though I only got credit for it once. I loved those kids, and I
loved the reaction they would get when they accomplished something that would not mean

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anything to us. I do not see children with disabilities I see children with abilities. I want to
impact a students life. I love and thrive off the feeling of I taught that student that or just going
over a subject to where that student feels that much better about it. I love kids and everything
about them. Students with special needs are the smartest and most fun children I have ever seen.
I feel so much more connected with a student in a special education room, than in a general
education classroom. Everything is more personal. I want to make a difference in a student, and I
will not let anything stop me until I have a desk with my name on it and hugs from my students.
Conclusion.
Overall, this teacher interview taught me a lot. I learned many different things about an
amazing teacher. I also found out a lot about myself and my true passion for teaching. This
teacher interview with high school teacher Michelle Burress was an amazing experience and
opened my eyes about teaching in another teachers mind.

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