“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” -unknown
Walking up to a grand, historic school building in West Texas, the sun graciously brings the heat in this August month. The calming sound of silence filled the halls after a long day of teaching. I was greeted by Larissa, who led me to her nearby classroom. Memories of my childhood flooded back, remembering my kindergarten class and my sweet but stern teacher, Ms. Pierce. Kindergarten was the most impactful and impressionable year of my life. This teacher gave me a reason to want to come back each day, and I am ever so grateful to her. Meeting with Larissa has been enlightening; her daily walk with Jesus is inspiring, and I want to highlight her story of 17 years as a school teacher.
Larissa, can you share a little about yourself?
I have been an Early Childhood Montessori teacher for 17 years now. Married to my wonderful husband of 18 years. We have three amazing children.
How are you feeling right now and what excites you the most when meeting new students?
I’m looking forward to having some of my students return. It’s wonderful to watch them grow and change over 3 years. I also can’t wait to welcome a new group of 3-year-olds each year. They’re so full of excitement and truly little sponges, soaking up everything they see and hear.
What has inspired you to become a school teacher?
Since I was young, I have always enjoyed being around small children. I have always known that God’s purpose for me was to do something to help kids. Growing up, I had some amazing teachers who left a lasting impact on my life, which inspired me to do the same for others. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they learn and master new things brings me so much joy. I also love hearing them say, “I did it!” I am in a unique teaching environment (Montessori) where I get to keep the same group of kids for 3 years. They start with PK3, then PK4, and finally Kindergarten with me.
How do you prepare for each school year and what is one thing that scares you about each year as you lead many students?
Each summer I try to focus on self-care, spending time with family, and working to be the best I can be. Coming back into the year, I work on preparing any materials or things I need for the upcoming new school year. Each year I am always a little nervous to go back to school and to get new students. I worry about being “enough” for each student and being able to give them all they need. I never want to let down a child or their family
What are the challenging aspects of teaching, as well as the positive aspects of teaching?
I find the most challenging aspect of teaching to be the amount of time required to prepare and organize lessons. It can be overwhelming to cover all the topics mandated by the state within the limited time available. The good parts are the children, and their desire to learn. And with their sweet spirits and beautiful smiles, they accomplish something new.
Troubleshooting is a huge factor in life. We learn to adapt to all different circumstances that come up; what and how do you approach these situations?
Change is something we face in education from staff changes to curriculum changes and everything in between. I learned a long time ago that it’s best to take a deep breath and roll with the change. I try to embrace the things that are changing ( and out of my control) and make the best of it.
As a teacher and leader what advice would you tell other teachers and peers around you on how to love and keep going when hard days come?
I would say to take a little time for yourself each day whether it is sitting by yourself in your car, reading a book, taking a long bath, going to the gym, or whatever you enjoy. What we do each day is amazing but it is also exhausting and can be so overwhelming and chaotic so doing something for yourself is a must. I would also say make sure you have people who have your back and who you can go to for help. Doing life alone is so hard, you need a tribe.
As a momma yourself, how can you share your perspective when you drop your children off at school each year?
As a parent, when I drop my children off at school into the hands of teachers and staff, my hope is my child will be seen and heard.
How do you balance so many children’s needs each year? (In my personal opinion, I think that is a gift in itself)
As a mom and a teacher, I agree with this. I think being a mom has helped me to understand the kids in my classroom and their behaviors better. It has helped me to treat them with compassion and kindness even when their behaviors make it hard. I always stop and think to myself, how would I want my child talked to or treated in this situation?
On the flip side, I also think being a teacher and working with these students has helped me in my parenting. It has taught me to let my kids express their feelings when they differ from mine.
My prayer is for my own children and my classroom children to be seen and heard. I take time each day to greet each child as they come in the door. I tell them “Good morning, I am so glad you are here today, how are you” We usually hug or shake hands. I try to be extra observant and notice if they seem upset about something. Throughout the day I spend a little bit of time with each child so they know they are important and loved. Some days are hard to get to everyone but I give it my best effort.
One more parent question, how involved would you like to see your parents be? What are the benefits for both sides?
I personally love parent involvement. I want parents to help with activities, come in and read stories, and talk to our students. I also like to communicate with parents as often as possible, I believe that it takes parents and teachers working together to make kids successful.
This is Norma Jean Rodriguez who has been working with Larissa for 17 years. An amazing team they have been together all these years.
Norma, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I have been teaching for 24 years, and 17 of those years have been with Mrs. Andis. I am Mrs. Andis’s assistant. I help my co-teacher provide individual attention and support for each student. As well as, implementing our student’s educational, social, emotional, and physical needs of our students. I support the teacher by assisting with classroom management, preparation, and any responsibilities. Ensure materials and classroom are in order and place for the next day.
I love what I do. Working with children is so rewarding even on tough days. On these tough or hard days, I have my co-teacher to lean on and share. We are blessed to have a great relationship and support each other through the good and hard moments.
What advice can you give to those who want to teach one day?
I would say, to not give up on yourself or the children you are reaching, especially on the toughest days. I think teaching little ones is so rewarding especially when you see the aha moments that outweigh the toughest days. Knowing you have made a difference in those student’s lives makes it all worth it.
Larissa, can you share how working with Norma all these years has meant to you?
Let’s put your role as a teacher aside and get to know the other side of you.
At the beginning of each day and the end of each day what rituals can you share and why?
I start the day with a simple time of prayer before I even get out of bed, thanking God for another day and asking him to bless my family and friends and to help me live out his purpose for my life. Then I head to the gym for a workout before work.
Evenings are a little more chaotic with kids’ activities and things to do around the house but this is when I try to take some quiet time for myself, usually sitting in bed with a devotional or prayer time
Do you have any other goals or aspirations?
At this point in my life, my goal is to be “where my feet are” and to be fully present in what I am doing at that moment. I want to continue to serve God and live for him in every role he has placed me in. I want to be open and willing to go wherever he calls me.
What are some community or adventures outside of your normal that you have done this year?
This summer I had the privilege to go on a mission trip with our high school students and my dad to Guatemala. We were able to go to many different feeding centers for children as well as many home visits where we delivered groceries, built new stoves, and took water filters. This was really a life-changing experience for me. I was blown away by the way the people there were so giving even if they didn’t have much to give and they were so bold in their faith, they shared it with anyone who would listen.
One of the main reasons why we are called the Daily Faith is because without our God we would not have Faith built up in us. Faith comes from God through his love, grace, and mercy for us all, How would you describe your Faith with the big beautiful life you have as a teacher, a mother, a parent, a wife, and most of all, a daughter of God designed by him?
I have confidence in God and his promises. I know that he is merciful and just, that he loves me and has a plan for my life. I know it’s my responsibility to love others the way he does and to point others toward him. Life isn’t always easy and my faith has been tested many times and ways but God has always been faithful and worked things for his good. I am so glad my foundation has been built on him.
Last, what are your go-to Bible verses and why and how important is your walk with Jesus in your daily?
Romans 15:13: This verse is what I pray over my children and all of our family daily. I know that in this world we all search for joy and peace in so many places but I pray that I will always remember that true joy and peace only come from God, that is something I hope to model and instill in my children.
Colossians 3:23: As I go to work each day or as I clean the house and cook dinner or run kids around this verse resonates in my mind. I want to glorify God in every task no matter how large or how small it may be.
Acts 20:24: I want to leave a legacy of faith for my family and friends, my community, and anyone I come in contact with. I pray to always do God’s work of spreading his good news to everyone around.
Copyrights ©The Daily Faith Magazine LLC
Contact Info mail@thedailyfaithmag.com