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SMYRNA, Del. —
The Smyrna School District has seen a lot of new faces this school year and one of them is first-year teacher Valerie Niggemeier. Teaching family and consumer science at Smyrna High, Niggemeier is passionate about her work as a public school teacher. She recently took a few moments of her time to explain to the Sun-Times why she wanted to become an educator and the difficulties in being a new teacher.
Q What inspired you to be a teacher?
A I have always had a passion for working with children, and I had many teachers that inspired me through high school.
Q What, so far, do you enjoy about teaching in the Smyrna School District?
A All the teachers I have spoken to have been so welcoming. I don’t think there was a teacher yet who hasn’t said, “If you need anything, let me know.” The community involvement is incredible too. I couldn’t believe how much support was at Homecoming.
Q What is most challenging as a teacher? Why?
A Trying to not let the negativity, of how society portrays teachers, get to me. I work very hard and am very passionate about what I do. It’s hard constantly hearing that public schools are the demise of America, and teachers have an easy job. Those who think that have never been teachers on the last period of the day, the Friday before a vacation! It’s a tough job.
Q What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
A A teacher came and told me that he overheard students talking about me. They said that I was a great teacher, because I really cared about them and what they were doing. It made me feel like I was making a real difference.
Q What qualities do you feel make up a good teacher?
A I do believe caring about your students is most important. If I understand where they are coming from, then I can help lead them down a path of success.
Email Jennifer Dailey at jennifer.dailey@doverpost.com.
The Smyrna School District has seen a lot of new faces this school year and one of them is first-year teacher Valerie Niggemeier. Teaching family and consumer science at Smyrna High, Niggemeier is passionate about her work as a public school teacher. She recently took a few moments of her time to explain to the Sun-Times why she wanted to become an educator and the difficulties in being a new teacher.
Q What inspired you to be a teacher?
A I have always had a passion for working with children, and I had many teachers that inspired me through high school.
Q What, so far, do you enjoy about teaching in the Smyrna School District?
A All the teachers I have spoken to have been so welcoming. I don’t think there was a teacher yet who hasn’t said, “If you need anything, let me know.” The community involvement is incredible too. I couldn’t believe how much support was at Homecoming.
Q What is most challenging as a teacher? Why?
A Trying to not let the negativity, of how society portrays teachers, get to me. I work very hard and am very passionate about what I do. It’s hard constantly hearing that public schools are the demise of America, and teachers have an easy job. Those who think that have never been teachers on the last period of the day, the Friday before a vacation! It’s a tough job.
Q What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
A A teacher came and told me that he overheard students talking about me. They said that I was a great teacher, because I really cared about them and what they were doing. It made me feel like I was making a real difference.
Q What qualities do you feel make up a good teacher?
A I do believe caring about your students is most important. If I understand where they are coming from, then I can help lead them down a path of success.
Email Jennifer Dailey at jennifer.dailey@doverpost.com.
