As a student, what I loved most about school was knowing I was loved and appreciated by my teachers. The experiences I had being cared for as a person by my own teachers shaped the way I interacted with my students when I became a teacher. I was reminded of this last week, when I spoke with Marilou Schantz, of Washington Elementary in Clinton, Oklahoma.
Marilou emanates compassion and love for every student she crosses paths with, and I was inspired remembering how a deep care for students as people can be a driving force in the work of an educator.
Congratulations on being chosen as teacher of the week! Can you start off by telling us a little about your teaching background?
This is my 9th year teaching. I've taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade "Gifted and Talented", and after following my daughter to her school to teach 6th grade, I'm in my second year of 5th and 6th grade science at Washington Elementary!
What do you love most about teaching?
The kids; just getting to love them. I always tell them, “You’re mine, you’re mine forever.”
Why do you think it’s important for kids to learn how to code and develop 21st century technology skills?
To keep up with the world around them. I want to see my kids be able to do anything, and to know that they can do anything. My class motto is, “Don’t say ‘I can’t’ because you admit you’re not trying. Believe you can, no matter what.”
What is one of the most exciting things you have seen happen with coding in your classroom?
They don’t want to stop! They want to do it all of the time.
What are some challenges you have had implementing coding in your school?
Not everyone wants to do it just yet. There’s always an element of being afraid to try it, with anything new. For me, I just dive right in. I’m not afraid- whatever it is, you have to just try it. I tell my kids that and I do it; I show them you have to just try.
What is one coding goal you have as an instructor?
For kids to take it home and show their parents, their friends. Share it, show someone else, be excited about what we’re doing.
We have to ask: How do you make time to take care of yourself during the school year?
I run marathons! I run, I get kids to run with me. I’ve had a few kids do 5ks with me. You have to make time between the time you don’t think you have- you have to do it.
What do you think is the most important thing for kids to take away from their education?
For them to believe that they can be anything, and to believe it whole heartedly. To know that they’re loved, every single one of them. In here, in my classroom, they are all loved and appreciated and they know it.
Lastly, what do you like to do for fun outside of teaching?
I have two daughters, I like to hang out with my girls whenever we can. We like to watch movies and be together.
Thank you, Marilou! We are inspired by the love you have for your students and the expectations you have for them to reach their potential.
Register for an account and get your students coding!
