White says students absorb information like a sponge
Second-grade teacher Leslie White says she loves to teach at Irving College because it is such a family-oriented environment. She has been teaching for five years, and although she has also taught grades six through eight, she thinks teaching second grade is more rewarding.
“You can see when the little ones get the concept, which is exciting, but I like the older students, too,” says White. “I have coached the cheerleading squad since I’ve been here, so I get to work with several ages.”
White played school as a little girl, but didn’t feel inclined to attend college. She considered doing home daycare at one time, knowing she wanted to do something with children.
It wasn’t until she substituted for some teachers after graduating from high school she actually experienced being an educator, and after two years, she realized teaching was her true calling.
White graduated from TTU after comapleting two years at Motlow. She is still affiliated with the extended school program, which provides assistance in mornings and evenings for children whose parents can’t be there. The kids have a safe place to have fun, play games, and do classwork.
White also conducts cheerleading practice two days a week, and is involved in summer enrichment classes at Irving College, teaching the morning and afternoon sessions. Last year, the subject of her classes was countries around the world.
White teaches both of the second grade social studies classes, and Linda Wanamaker teaches science. “It works out well,” says White. “And Linda’s really great. She’s my mentor.”
White says what you learn in college doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the classrooms.
“The professors have not been in an elementary classroom for a long time, oftentimes. It all sounds wonderful when you imagine all the free time you think teachers enjoy, but then reality sets in,” she admits. “There’s a lot of after-hours work involved. I think you become a teacher for a lot more than a paycheck, including everything you get back from the students themselves.”
White believes the kids and their expectations are the best part of teaching. “Most expect to learn and really want to. The little ones are sponges.”
The worst part of teaching, according to White, involves the things you can’t change.
“Often, there may be bad situations in a child’s family. You can’t just turn a deaf ear. You are their confidant, counselor, and friend, but you can’t always change the circumstances they’re dealing with. Sometimes kids whose parents are divorcing will collapse in tears. All you can do is put on a happy face. Sometimes we are the only positive they have all day.”
One of the recent difficulties occurred during the tragedy of Sept. 11.
“We had children who were very terrified. I was nervous, but I had to put on a face that said, ‘Hey guys, we’re going to be OK and the country is strong.’ Children take these things as seriously as the adults, and are just as sensitive to what is happening in the world.”
White is an avid reader and loves to work crossword puzzles when she’s not trying to keep up with her 17-month-old daughter, Anna, and husband, Jim.