Teacher: Camille Wilcox, The Educator Academy Cohort Two
School: Troost Elementary
Grade level: 3rd
Years teaching: less than one year
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Degrees: Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration; Master’s of Urban Education (Spring 2019)
What were you doing before you became a teacher? Before I became a teacher I was a Paraprofessional. I have always worked with children of all ages since I graduated from high school. That is what drove me to becoming the teacher that I am today.
Why did you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher because I felt like it was one of my goals to give back to our youth, especially being a product of the Kansas City Public Schools. I think that all the great paths that I took is what molded me and gave me the foundation to becoming a teacher.
How is your first year of teaching going so far? I am currently a first year teacher and it is fun to be able to be apart of my students’ life knowing that I will leave a legacy and an impact on them so they will never forget me. It is challenging at times because I am also a Graduate student as well. Overall it is going well and I just love the group of students that I have this year.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher? The most rewarding part of being a teacher is knowing that when I leave my school everyday, I have had a great impact on a student’s life, even if they are not in my classroom.
What advice would you give a new Resident who is just now beginning their journey towards becoming a teacher? The advice I would give the next Resident who is beginning their journey towards becoming a teacher is to make sure you use your resources and always lean on your Cohort members for help as well. Always try and plan ahead if you can and most of all have FUN and ENJOY your kiddos!
Do you enjoy living/working in KC? Why? I do enjoy living and working in Kansas City because I was born and raised in Kansas City.
How are your relationships with students? Families? The relationships that I have built, and am still building, with my families have been going well. We communicate often so they will know how their students are doing in school.
Final thoughts? My final thoughts would be to enjoy and have fun with your kiddo’s each day to make sure those relationships are built between you, the student, and their families.
