Nathan Fowler

Where did you attend college/graduate from?

Wayne State University

What is your favorite icebreaker to do with students?

How much does a Polar Bear weigh enough to break the ice, a joke like that, or share something from my life to help people become comfortable.
As a little kid, did you ever think you would be a teacher?

No, I wanted to be an author as a kid. I used to and still do write short stories. It is a fun way to take up some time.

Did you play any sports in college or high school?

Track and Cross Country
Why did you become a teacher?

To help mentor students, I did not have a strong mentor growing up.
What your favorite thing to teach in your class?

The atom because it is a simple concept that at the same time can be very complex.
What motivates you to keep teaching?

To help students become productive, critical thinkers.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?

See students exceed their expectations and know that I help them do that!

Emily Grimes

Where did you attend college/graduate from?

I attended Marygrove for both my Bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
What is your favorite icebreaker to do with students?

The virtual locker where the students use photos to describe themselves is my favorite icebreaker.
As a little kid, did you ever think you would be a teacher?

Yes, I have wanted to teach ever since I was 5 years old.
Did you play any sports in college or high school?

I was not officially on the volleyball team, but I used to play.
Why did you become a teacher?

I enjoyed sharing information and somehow changing young people’s lives.
 What is your favorite thing to teach in your class?

Books or stories that can be discussed, I like discussions.

What motivates you to keep teaching?

The thing that motivates me to keep teaching is that eventually, students will use the information that I teach them.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is the shared learning experience, students learn from me and I learn from them daily.

Kaila Brewer

Where did you attend college and or graduate from?

I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with- BA in English Education, Minor in Theater/Communications.

What is your favorite icebreaker to do with students?

My favorite ice breaker to do with students is Two Truths & a Lie.

As a little kid, did you ever expect to be a teacher?

I always loved school and my 1st-grade teacher would allow me to help her grade papers during recess. Ever since then I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

Did you play any sports or join any clubs in college?

Sports are not my thing. However, I was involved in many “clubs” in college. The Organization of Black Unity Detroit Does Well, Multicultural Student Advisory Council, Great Lakes Bay Youth Leadership, Bringing in the Bystander, Impa

ct Bible Study.

Why did you become a teacher?

What inspired me to go into education was a collective of great teachers that I had growing up. I saw, and felt, the positive impact that these teachers had on their students and this made me realize that the teacher’s role was not just to facilitate learning, but to encourage, empower, promote growth, instill motivation and morals, and to inspire. I thought to myself “what wonderful way to change the world”. So, I dedicated my life to education, the youth, and inspiring future generations.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Connecting with students and making a difference in their lives.

Also, I love to learn along with them.

What motivates you to keep teaching during the shutdown?

Education is essential to growth and development. It is my duty to see fit that my students’ education is not neglected, no matter the circumstances. I am here for the students, to keep them growing. They keep me going.

Sean LaForge

Where did you attend college and or graduate from?

I received my bachelor’s from CMU and my master’s from the American College of Education.

What is your favorite icebreaker to do with students?

In this virtual world, I like to do a Desmos Activity that highlights what some of their favorite things are, and what they would do in certain situations.

As a little kid did, did you ever expect to be a teacher?

No, not really, I was always unsure of what I wanted to do. In fact, I ended up changing my major in college.

Did you play any sports or join any clubs in college?

Most definitely… and I recommend that everyone tries their best to participate in as many as they can in college.

I won Intramural Championships in Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Dodgeball, Kickball, Flag Football, Bowling, and Tennis.

The clubs I joined were:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Student Enrichment Council (In charge of the Intramurals at CMU)

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher because of my experience in Big Brothers Big Sisters. I really enjoyed hosting unique events for kids, such as “Halloween Funfairs,” “Christmas Parties,” and “Bowl for Kid’s Sake.” I loved seeing how much fun they had at each event.

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is it allows me to feel like a kid again. It really annoys my students when I try to act like them, and I love it.

What motivates you to keep teaching during the shutdown?

I am fortunate enough to have some students for the 3rd time this year. I taught them in 6th, 8th, and now 9th grade. What motivates me to teach during the shutdown is how motivated these students are to learn. I feel like I cannot let them down, and I need to be prepared for every lesson.