What led you to become a teacher?
“What led me to become a teacher is simple; I wanted to make a difference in the lives of our future generation.”

What structures are most helpful to you as a teacher?
“What’s most structured is the hands-on in my class. As the sewing teacher, I learn to meet them at their level, raise the bar and not teach above their level. When I can reach them at their level, it’s not about me, it’s about them and we are all learning together. It’s amazing to see how the students cling to that, that they’ve done something different from what you told them it would be and therefore allowing them to make the decision and be creative on their own.”

What do you like best about teaching in a differentiated classroom?
“All of my students came in not knowing how to sew. This allows me to reach a variety of kids from all walks of life. While I’m teaching I’m also learning how to deal with the different challenges that most teachers deal with on a daily basis.”

How does this population of students create a felt need?
“They are wearing the clothes that they have created with pride. They are creating their own pants, pajamas, dresses, etc..., and creating them as gifts for family and friends. In my class these students are not limited, they are exploring the possibilities of what they can do and challenging themselves beyond their learned knowledge.”

How have you increased student responsibility for learning in your classroom this year?
“I don’t even know where to begin. This aspect of the class has grown tremendously. You have young men who are sewing better than the young ladies and who are very particular about their seams. We have young ladies who are making evening gowns on their own. Basically once they get the hang of the basics, they are able to branch out and do things on their own.”

How were the students when they first come into your class?
“In the beginning, the students said that I was going to have to make them like this class. Once they learned the basics, the students really ran with what they learned. Some run extremely far, but they run with it. Failing in my class is not an option, it’s a choice. In my class we work together as a family and that is VERY important.”

What was very challenging for your students?
“Focus. The students are so used to teachers telling them they don’t want to learn and they don’t care, it was hard for them to accept someone who really does care.”

What was something that really surprised you about how your students were able to succeed in this new learning environment?
“One time, I had a student who could not read but who was very good with hands on activities. He informed me of his limitations and he shared with me that he wanted to learn. He went home the night before the last day of class and had someone read all of the instructions to him. On the last day of class, he came in and informed me that it was okay if he failed, but he just wanted to show me how much he appreciated me. On that last day of class, he created two full pieces and managed to turn his grade around into a passing B. That was the one thing that really surprised me and brought tears to my eyes.”