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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
A new school year comes with new teachers
The Newest second grade teacher Shelby Bride
MT PLEASANT — It’s that time of year again, teachers and families are preparing for a new school year. Take some time to get to know the newest teachers to the area.
Shelby Bride
Bride starts teaching second grade at Van Allen for her first full year of teaching. Last year, Bride worked as a math interventionist at Lincoln and Salem. She is married to Jimmy Bride and the mother of Katherine.
About Life Outside of School
- What’s a typical Saturday night like for you?
Usually, I am spending time with family and friends.
- What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?
I have 3 dogs and a betta fish at home now.
- What is your dream vacation?
I would like to go to Ireland someday.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summers with my husband and daughter, as well as with friends and family. We spend a lot of time outdoors and enjoy camping and county fair time.
- What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?
The Breakfast Club, Top Gun, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- What would your last meal be?
Either pizza or spaghetti, those are my two of my favorite things to eat any time.
- What can you cook to perfection?
I would have to say homemade macaroni and cheese. It's nothing out of the ordinary, but it always turns out perfect when I make it.
- If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?
I don't think I would give up working all together, but I would buy a farm in the country and get some animals. About School Life
About School Life
- What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?
Picking out the outfit and having everything laid out the night before and taking a picture with the first day of school board.
- What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A good day at school would be when the students have the "light bulb moments" and things really click.
- How do you show your school spirit?
I think just being proud of the school and the students shows school spirit, but also dressing up on the homecoming days when possible and participating in school activities.
- What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this year?
So far, it would be working the spring semester as a math interventionist and seeing the growth in the students that I worked with. Now, I would say it would be having my own classroom and the opportunity to teach.
- What is your favorite dish from the cafeteria?
I love the cheesy breadsticks that they have sometimes. I haven't ate at school yet much to have a set favorite yet though.
- What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for class?
I would say just getting there and making sure everything is set to go for the day, and taking a few minutes to be sure I'm prepared for the day. Enjoying an iced coffee always helps!
- What inspires you?
I am most inspired by helping others learn and grow. Seeing people succeed and get excited about it is great.
- How does technology make teaching more simple or difficult?
Technology can make things outside of the 4 walls of your classroom accessible, giving your students more resources and information, but it can be difficult when technology doesn't work correctly. Always have a back up plan for the possibility of failed technology.
- What’s the best/worst thing about being a teacher?
The best thing is getting to work with the students and helping them learn and grow not just in academics, but socially, and emotionally as well. Seeing how they grow throughout the year and beyond your classroom is amazing.
About the Students
- What differences do you see in your morning students versus the afternoon classes?
Students can be more focused in the morning, and by afternoon they are ready to go home and can be a little less focused.
- If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Be kind would be the biggest one, but also never be afraid to keep learning
- How do you remember all of your students’ names?
I'm terrible with names at first, but with name tags and repetition I feel like their names will stick with me.
- What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching?
I don't have a particular favorite sport, but any sport that my own child is doing, or any of my students are participating in. I enjoy cheering for and encouraging kids who choose to participate in something they like.
Why do (or don’t) you friend former students on Facebook?
Teaching elementary, I don't feel I would friend former students unless they added me years later, but even then I like to keep my Facebook to friends and family for the most part. It's how I keep in contact with long distance family and friends so they can stay in the loop with what is new with myself or my family.
More About You
- What kind of driver were you when you first got your license?
I was cautious when I first got my license.
- What song should students listen to when doing work for your class?
Something without lyrics is usually best so it doesn't distract students' thinking
- What is your first memory from school?
I would have to say Kindergarten when we had "top dog" which was like student of the week. Also when we learned our address and phone numbers in kindergarten.
- How do you think students will remember you and your class?
I hope students remember me and my class by the fun that we have learning together
About Nothing — Just for Kicks
- How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?
Probably not long, I would trip and fall while trying to run away.
- In which Hogwarts house would you be sorted?
I would say Ravenclaw because I am always willing to learn and grow.
- What would your perfect party look like?
Being surrounded by friends and family with some good food.
- What song do you know all the lyrics to?
There are several, I love listening to the radio whenever I can or going to concerts so there are several
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
Shelby Bride (middle) and her husband Jimmy (left) and daughter Katherine are excited for this next chapter in her career. (Photo submitted)
