Shamarra G. Brown - St. John's High School

 

Meet Shamarra G. Brown. She is in twelfth Grade at St. John’s High School. Brown is currently interning at Angel Oak Primary School, with mentor teacher Grace Baxter, who teaches first grade. 

Getting to Know You

What inspired you to want to become a teacher?

Something that helped inspire me to become a teacher is that I have always enjoyed helping others, regardless of their age or whether I knew them. I´ve wanted to be different from some of my family members and most girls. My mom is a CMA for Roper St. Francis, and some other girls in my family are in the medical field too. I wanted something different and what I love. What I love is little kids; I've always grown up helping my little siblings or cousins. Different cartoon shows also helped me figure out what I wanted to do.

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

I have always dreamed of being a teacher. One teacher that I would say I look up to very much is Ms. Dunmyer, from when I was at Murray-Lasaine Elementary. She no longer teaches, but I loved her; she never once judged me. She was so sweet that I even made a lifelong best friend in that class. When I cried or couldn't go to sleep during naptime, she would read me a book or help calm me down. It made me love CD. I loved Ms. Dunmyer.

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

A subject that I hope to teach when I am older is first grade or kindergarten, but I am leaning more towards first grade because I now have experience working with them for two years. Ever since working with both 1st-grade classes, I´ve had fun and felt like a little kid again. Teaching is not just about having fun; it is also about engaging, learning, and growing with the kids as well.

Classroom Experience

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

So far, the most meaningful part of interning with both 1st-grade classes has been really amazing. I liked that I got to learn about each kid and what they like. I like that I could be myself around both classes. The first time the kids had me play recess with them, it made me feel like a kid again. I don´t really have friends, so that's what meant a lot to me, they felt like family. For the internship I am currently in, I appreciate that they were very welcoming and asked questions. I love the compliments they give me, which mean a great deal to me. It´s this one kid who wants me to stay at their table, and she picks up a chair and sits it next to her.

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

Something that surprised me was grading and working in groups; it´s kind of hard working with a lot of kids at the same time until I got used to it. Something that inspired me is that my 1st-grade teacher now has a calm-down corner, and I never thought of that or saw it before. I think that I would like to do that one day. 

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

It´s been great getting to meet the kids, especially having the opportunity to learn about Brazil from one of them. I find it really interesting how I feel like both an adult and a kid at the same time. The kids looking up to me is a really nice feeling, and that's definitely my favorite part of the experience.

Looking Ahead

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

After high school, I plan on attending college to major in early childhood education. My top three college choices are USC Upstate University, Kennesaw State University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Additionally, I aspire to own a small business. I don´t know what it would be about or what to sell, but I am mostly focused on trying to be a teacher. Then, once I become successful, I will buy a house.

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

I want to make a difference by showing little kids how wonderful a person I am. I want them to think that I am their favorite teacher, and I want kids to look up to me. I want to help change lives so that someone can count on me, because some teachers won´t do that. I think it will also help me build confidence. I think I can make a difference by learning about different backgrounds from where kids come from, which will help me engage with them and also help kids learn from it, because most little kids are not familiar with different places when they are young.

In your own words, why is teaching important?

Teaching is important because it provides the knowledge needed to mold adults and children alike. Teaching helps to break down social barriers and prepare us for everyday life. I believe that teaching is important because it doesn´t just happen in school. We are continuously learning every day. On a job, in religious settings, and even in our homes. Without lessons being passed on from one generation to the next, molding us all as people. We would be rediscovering the same things repeatedly.

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

“In case no one told you today, HELLO, good morning, you belong here, you're doing great, I believe in you.”

I also use this bible verse for encouragement, - John 14:1: ¨ Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe in me.¨