Shakari Baker-Bruce, Waterloo Lincoln Elementary School
Position: 2nd Grade
Years Teaching: 3
Hobbies: I enjoy praising God, dancing, singing, watching sports and being involved in sporting events. Also enjoy learning new things.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy watching my students grow and witness the moments when they grasp and understand what they are learning. I enjoy learning and growing with my students. I also thoroughly enjoy connecting and building different relationships with my students and finding out what clicks and works for each of my classrooms each year.
What do you find most challenging about teaching? The most challenging thing for me is knowing or being aware of what students may be facing on a day to day basis, such as learning disabilities, home life, feeling and being unsafe outside of school, behaviors, not being supported from parents and situations our babies experience and knowing that sometimes even my best cannot fix everything for each student. That is a constant personal challenge for me, because I want to reach everyone of my students in a way that can go beyond the classroom. Another thing I find challenging about teaching is having to follow specific guidelines and curriculum's that may not always fit or be the best for each and every individual student and how through all the teachings that they receive, there will still be a student or students that are left behind in their learning and not reach all of their current grade level expectations and goals.
Best tip for new teachers: Be authentic, set the tone, go in with a growth mindset, and do not be ashamed or afraid to make mistakes.
Best tip for career teachers: Allow yourself to be a continuous learner, never settle in your ways because everyone has room to grow. Be thankful and proud for how far you have come.
Favorite piece of advice for students: Shine bright, believe in yourself and rise above any situation because you are destined to do great things and be great.
What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star Teacher means so much to me and it has been a goal of mine since I started teaching. This is something that I believe is so rewarding and I have had the desire to experience one day and I am so thankful that time is here. Being a Gold Star Teacher to me means... You are a light in others lives, from your students to your colleagues, your family and anyone you can and may reach. It also means that you can shine brightly through anything. Gold Star Teachers are more than just teachers!