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SMYRNA, Del. —
Starting out as a graphic designer, Jacqui Yerkes went on to make a career change and become a paraprofessional at JBM. In her first year of teaching, it is the skills she learned as a paraprofessional that are helping Yerkes learn her way as an educator.
Yerkes sat down with the Sun-Times and explained her reason for the career change and what she enjoys about her new job.
Q What inspired you to become a teacher?
A I would say my kids and my love of learning. I was working fulltime as a graphic artist, working in front of a computer all day. When my kids were little, I would volunteer in the classroom and get involved, it was really something I enjoyed.
Q Why did you decide to teach math, science and social studies?
A I like how math, science and even social studies is very hands-on, and I can use my art background to create fun and creative projects such as turning division into a fun, group activity.
Q What do you like about working in the Smyrna School District?
A I love working and teaching in the SSD, between not only teaching my students but being a part of the community. I enjoy going to different places, and seeing my students out and about town. They know my kids too because they go to Smyrna Middle School. Living in the community where I work, I like that.
Q What’s challenging as a new teacher?
A Getting to know the kids and all their different needs within one classroom. As the years go by, I’ll be able to say “Oh yeah, I know how to deal with this.” For now, I’m learning how to deal with things like a student not doing their homework. It’s a big challenge not having prior experience to build on.
Q How has working as a paraprofessional helped you?
A Just being in the classroom and seeing how the teachers interacted with students and how they interacted with parents. Learning and getting good ideas that I can now use in my teaching career.
Q What has been your most memorable moment so far?
A I would say just what happened today. I already had a parent request me to be their child’s teacher next year.
Q What qualities do you feel make a good teacher?
A Be patient, and you always need to be compassionate. In order to get a students respect, you need to give them respect first.
Email Jennifer Dailey at jennifer.dailey@doverpost.com.
Starting out as a graphic designer, Jacqui Yerkes went on to make a career change and become a paraprofessional at JBM. In her first year of teaching, it is the skills she learned as a paraprofessional that are helping Yerkes learn her way as an educator.
Yerkes sat down with the Sun-Times and explained her reason for the career change and what she enjoys about her new job.
Q What inspired you to become a teacher?
A I would say my kids and my love of learning. I was working fulltime as a graphic artist, working in front of a computer all day. When my kids were little, I would volunteer in the classroom and get involved, it was really something I enjoyed.
Q Why did you decide to teach math, science and social studies?
A I like how math, science and even social studies is very hands-on, and I can use my art background to create fun and creative projects such as turning division into a fun, group activity.
Q What do you like about working in the Smyrna School District?
A I love working and teaching in the SSD, between not only teaching my students but being a part of the community. I enjoy going to different places, and seeing my students out and about town. They know my kids too because they go to Smyrna Middle School. Living in the community where I work, I like that.
Q What’s challenging as a new teacher?
A Getting to know the kids and all their different needs within one classroom. As the years go by, I’ll be able to say “Oh yeah, I know how to deal with this.” For now, I’m learning how to deal with things like a student not doing their homework. It’s a big challenge not having prior experience to build on.
Q How has working as a paraprofessional helped you?
A Just being in the classroom and seeing how the teachers interacted with students and how they interacted with parents. Learning and getting good ideas that I can now use in my teaching career.
Q What has been your most memorable moment so far?
A I would say just what happened today. I already had a parent request me to be their child’s teacher next year.
Q What qualities do you feel make a good teacher?
A Be patient, and you always need to be compassionate. In order to get a students respect, you need to give them respect first.
Email Jennifer Dailey at jennifer.dailey@doverpost.com.
