Sara McIntosh, Dunkerton Elementary
Position: 4th Grade
Years Teaching: 7 years
Hobbies/Interests: It brings me joy to help on our family farm. We take care of sheep, cattle, horses, chickens, and a few goats. We also crop farm. I also enjoy crafting, shopping, and spending time with my children. I love going to the lake and sitting on the beach.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I love the opportunity to change lives. I also get the chance to be creative in lessons, develop great relationships with students and colleagues, and help develop lifelong learners.
What do you find most challenging about teaching? Here are some of the things that can be challenging as a teacher. Balancing the different learning needs of students can create a challenge, especially if there are large gaps. Every student who walks through my door is different. There are also many behavior challenges that student face now a days, and that can be difficult.
Best tip for new teachers: Love your students! No matter what your first year throws at you, just love them! There will be things that you do that make you feel proud, and there will be things that you do where you feel like you could have done better. At the end of the year though, the students will know that they were cared for and loved as not only a learner, but a real person.
Best tip for career teachers: Always face the day with a smile on your face and a positive attitude, even if your having ‘one of those days.’ A simple smile, joke, or funny comment always brightens EVERYONE’s day.
Favorite piece of advice for students: Have a growth mindset in EVERYTHING that you do inside and outside of school. Remind yourself that every single day, you are a learner. Sometimes you just need more practice when it comes to certain skills and situations. Love yourself, and think positive!
What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: This award means a lot to me. There are many days that I wonder if I’m doing enough for my students. This award shows that all of my hard work does not go unnoticed. I also reflect on all the support I’ve had along the way throughout my teaching journey. I couldn’t do what I do without them. My family, paraeducators, co-teachers, administrators, partner teachers, babysitters for my own students – all of these people have made it possible for me to do what I do every day. I also thank them for this award!
Watch Sara McIntosh’s Gold Star Video here!