Day 13

Felice Simmonds
5th Grade Teacher
Park Village Elementary School
Room K205

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in college. I decided I wanted to be “something” instead of just trying to find “something” so I pursued a teaching credential. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.


After college I worked in advertising for newspapers and in radio. I also worked as a copywriter in an advertising agency. These were all somewhat “glamorous” professions which offered me large expense accounts, private jets and high-powered clients. I found myself spending lots of time with people who meant nothing to me. It seemed so superficial.


I had a childhood friend who had also gotten her credential. She was teaching in Poway Unified, and she suggested I spend the day with her watching her teach because she thought I would love teaching. Needless to say, I never looked back.

2. Is becoming a teacher something that you really have to be passionate about?

Of course! Why would you choose to spend each day in front of a group of people when you were living a lie? It’s so obvious when a teacher is just perfunctory. When a teacher doesn’t care, kids don’t care, and there are MANY problems, including discipline associated with that.

3. What college courses would you recommend for prospective teachers?

I can’t say any specific course, but I will say that teachers are born to teach. You must have a presence that cannot be taught. The gift of being an exceptional teacher requires intellect, humor, command, acting skill, compassion, the ability to bring out the best in a student and many other intangibles.

4. What college did you attend?

I attended San Diego State University for undergraduate work and Azusa Pacific University for my Master’s Degree.

5. Are there some days where your job overloads you?

It’s strange to be in a profession where you feel you could always do more or you haven’t done enough. I could work every day until 8:00pm and on weekends and never get all the administrative and curricular work completed. There are always bulletin boards to change, countless meetings to attend and parents to meet with. But it’s always the kids that make it fun. Each day is special with them, so I do what I can to be competent in the paperwork portion of my job and focus on the importance of my student’s success.

6. Has your intern's time at the workplace been beneficial for the school?

I have loved having Evan here. I think he has seen a different side of my profession and its many demands. He has gained an understanding of the many components of peer interaction and team work, the many demands and interruptions in a teacher’s work day, and the amount of love and enthusiasm it requires to keep 34 students on tract and productive. He has helped with teaching small groups, organization of my classroom, and administrative work. He is currently assisting with our broadcast team. Due to budgetary constraints we have been unable to produce a show this year. He is willing to assist me in any way, and is extremely competent and intelligent. I will miss him (and so will my students) when he’s gone.

7. Do you believe that your intern's time here is good preparation for a future career in education?

7. I think so. If Evan ever did consider teaching as a profession I think he would emulate many of the strategies I use with my students. The kids obviously enjoy him very much. I think he sees teaching is all encompassing, and not just presenting material. And I think he likes that. He’d be a great teacher.

So today I had the kids come in early to film for the PB&J video. Again, it was nigh impossible to get them to settle down. My trusty mature student Diane helped calm them into a manageable state. I was genuinely surprised by the acting of one of the students, mainly because he didn't seem like an actor. To put it into words, he's one of those awkwardly funny guys. The guy who's funny in his ability to be nervous and shy. You know what I'm talking about.

Another highlight of my day came to me in an email, or to my mentor in an email who then told me by ear. Tomorrow is a kickball tournament between the 5th grade classes. Instantly my excitement level went up, because kickball is one of my favorite sports. I unfortunately, cannot play. But I do get to be the mascot, so be on the lookout for pictures of that tomorrow.