Taya Reed

6th grade teacher

 

Hometown: Welch, Oklahoma

Undergraduate degree: Early Childhood Education Unified

Why I chose teaching: I have always grown up with family members that were teachers and I also helped teach the preschool class at my local church. When I attended Southwestern College for my undergrad they offered a class for freshmen to go on an observation and see if teaching was something we truly wanted to do. I still remember that observation as that was the day I knew I wanted to go into teaching. As I continued through the teaching program and I got to experience student teaching, I will never forget the first “ahah” moment I witnessed with a student. Since that day I have loved getting to guide students to their “ahah” moments. The moments when the concept truly makes sense.

Why I selected K-State’s MAT program: I was already in my second year of being a professional teacher and wanted to get my masters in teaching. K-States MAT program was perfect a perfect fit for me to get my masters degree and continue teaching full time.

Why I’m a unique teacher: I love to build relationships with my students. I want to know their likes/dislikes, learned styles; everything I can know about them. I have learned that this is the best Classroom Management strategy out there. Having these relationships built allows my students to know that my classroom is a safe space where each of them can learn in their own way, at their own rate and know that I will be there to guide and cheer them on along the way. I have learned that not only am I teaching my students but over the years I have been learning a lot from them, as well.