During the past two years, the RCS Central School District has continued to share and highlight the contributions of teachers throughout our district and today is no different. For nearly ten years, Ms. Rogers has been a teacher in the district and continues to make connections with her students, and families, as she provides a positive learning environment for today’s classroom. As a teacher, her job goes beyond the day-to-day activities required of an educator in our school community. Ms. Rogers continues to utilize her planning and outreach to make an impact within her curriculum, allowing it to be easily processed by her students. In addition, she uses that same process to share information with families and caregivers to keep them informed of their respective students' status throughout the school year.
“Teaching in today’s classroom is different from what we’ve been accustomed to in the past, but still as rewarding,” said Ms. Rogers. “Now more than ever, it is important to provide a caring, supportive, and nurturing environment for our school community. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as an educator to provide a learning environment that fosters success for my students.”
Her story aligns with what our staff and faculty are aiming for within our school community – to provide quality educational opportunities to all RCS students. We have seen great examples – from elementary through high school – of this type of teamwork that allows our students to grow and be successful while pursuing their unique pathways.
Today, we introduce Ms. Rogers and share her insightful Q&A with our school community.
What makes Pieter B. Elementary so special?
Pieter B. is my home away from home. For the past decade, I have had the honor of working with the most amazing group of people and serving families that I have come to know and love. I often joke that I will be here until I am old and gray, but the reality is, I probably will be here that long. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else!
How do you approach teaching with today’s students?
I approach teaching today the same way I always have…adjust, acclimate, and have an open mind. Every year is different and unique because each year I have a new group of smiling faces that walk through my door in September. The needs are never quite the same, and one size does not fit all. My goal is always that my students have academic success while having fun and enjoying the process.
What’s your favorite memory as an educator at RCS?
I have so many wonderful memories over the past decade and no shortage of dull moments teaching First grade. First grade is really where students start to put all of the foundational skills and reading strategies they have learned together to become more confident readers. The moment everything clicks and students realize that they can read on their own…it is like a whole new world opens up for them. The look on their faces is priceless. I don’t know who is more excited…me or them!
Finally, what makes a good teacher?
I don’t think that there is one profound answer to this question because I know a lot of great teachers, and many of them are great for so many different reasons. I think having an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to continue to learn and grow as an educator are all qualities of a good teacher.
Someone recently asked me why I became a teacher, and my response was that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
