Jose Perez-Tanner - R.B. Stall High School

 

Meet Jose Perez-Tanner. He is in twelfth Grade at R.B. Stall High School. Perez-Tanner is currently interning in US history for juniors and seniors at R.B Stall high school under the leadership of teacher Megan Orchad.

Getting to Know You

What inspired you to want to become a teacher?

I want to be someone who can make an impact on students. I want to be a teacher that is good at his job. I was really inspired by Mr.Q last year when I was his intern and with him I discovered how much I really loved being a teacher and its great being able to help people. 

Do you remember a specific teacher or classroom moment that helped shape your decision to pursue teaching? Please describe it.

I remember I was in Ms.Murphy’s classroom I was in her teacher cadet class and we watched a movie called Dead Poets Society and when we watched it there was this one character called Neil and in the movie he struggles with self expression and being social but during the film he becomes more social  but in the end he ends up killing himself and when I saw the movie and the impact his teacher had on his life it really made me think about how I wish for all my teachers to be, because Neil might have died but he did something he never did before he truly acted as himself and what inspired me about the film was his teacher might not have had the best ending with his student but he had the best result he made Neil felt safe enough to finally chase his dreams and that’s what I love about the film.  

What subject or grade level do you hope to teach in the future, and why? 

US History and 11th or 12th grade I would like to teach a more mature but still impressionable grade. 

Classroom Experience

What has been the most meaningful part of your internship experience so far?

Being able to learn I feel like that is the biggest thing because I know that  to be a teacher you teach students but you also have to learn that and perfect it so I think it takes time but my internship can help me learn. 

What is one thing you’ve learned during your internship that surprised or inspired you?

One thing that surprised me was Ms.Orchards work ethic, I love her work ethic the way she is able to get her job done and be able to get it done quickly while being on time. She has really helped me understand a bit more about teaching than what I thought and really is just the best at explaining why her teaching methods can be useful for students and she is all for understanding students which really benefits me on how I view teaching.  

How has working with students changed or strengthened your desire to become a teacher?

It strengthened my desire to teach and after my first attempt at teaching or even interning I really liked it and I feel like I am able to explain and break things down for people to understand subject matter. 

Looking Ahead

What are your plans after high school (college, major, career goals)?

To become a teacher and hopefully help people with whatever subject I teach, go to a good college if I can and hope to do my best. 

How do you hope to make a difference as a future educator?

To be not only a teacher of my students but also be a voice for them and help guide students to their dreams. 

In your own words, why is teaching important?

Teaching is important because it’s not just a job it's a responsibility and that's what makes it different,  the fact that it is more than just a job is what makes it important because that means that the job is worth something, the fact that there is extra hours and there is sometimes difficulties  with what your teaching is the whole reason you do it. Teaching is like a way of making an impact just in a less seen way sometimes. 

Optional Extras

Is there a quote, motto, or message you live by or that reflects your passion for teaching? 

 

“Be curious, not judgmental”-Walt Whitman