A new school year comes with new teachers

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.

Tina Mullin

Tina Mullin is ready to teach World History, AP U.S. History, American History, Government and Economics at the New London Middle and High School this school year.

“I have loved the connection between our choices within the past and how they affect our contemporary thinking and current events,” she said of why she has chosen this field.

Mullin was a 2004 Mt. Pleasant High School graduate and lived near Oakland Mills for a short time growing up.

She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2008 and achieved her teaching license through the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa License program.

Mullin is married to Derek Mullin, a farmer, and they live on a row-crop soybean and corn farm north of Mt. Pleasant with their three children, Caden, 13, Charlize, 11, Cuyler, 9.

Their family keeps busy with band, soccer, 4H, football, basketball, track, competitive dance, baseball, softball, chorus, and any other activities that involve their children.

About Life Outside of School

What’s a typical Saturday night like for you?

At home or at events with my family. I have been in a graduate school and taking courses, so lots of homework when I'm not working.

What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

We have a sheep breeding operation, and have 3 cats and a dog.

What is your dream vacation?

Visiting historical sites throughout continental Europe.

How do you spend your summer breaks?

I have been taking summer courses this year, but typically spend a lot of time with my children, attending baseball & softball games, time at the pool, taking my children to extracurricular activities, and catching up on house projects.

What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

I love history and documentaries, so learning never ends. However, I also enjoy science fiction and criminal dramas.

What would your last meal be?

Prime ribs, cheesy potatoes, and green beans, with dessert of cheesecake.

What can you cook to perfection? Are you willing to share the recipe?

My daughter (Charlize) loves my Kraft mac and cheese, my husband (Derek) loves my meatloaf, my son (Caden) loves my cookie dough dip, and my son (Cuyler) prefers blueberries to any food I make.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?

Even if I won the lottery, I would not give up teaching.

Our family would expand our farming operation due to passion we have for this industry as well.

In addition, we would invest the funds for longevity and give back to the community.

About School Life

What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the First Day of School?

Share my background with students and discuss their hopes and expectations for the class during the year.

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

All students are engaged and discussing the lesson and are motivated to learn. My classroom isn't quiet, but they are interacting respectfully and learning.

How do you show your school spirit?

Show passion and engagement with students with their activities, get to know them, and be proud of all accomplishments of the school.

What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this year?

Success in my teaching program, earning this position in a community with a strong foundation, and balancing the needs of my family and community.

What inspires you?

The next generation is inspiring and their contributions to the world.

How does technology make teaching more simple or difficult?

Technology enhances the research capabilities of students, viewing maps, watching supplementary videos, and real photos of what we are studying.

It can sometimes make things more difficult because students feel tempted to "copy & paste" or "steal" from others work.

What’s the best/worst thing about being a teacher?

Best thing is forming close teaching relationships with study, but that can sometimes be the worst thing about being a teacher.

When a student is struggling a lot with something that I cannot help them with, it can give me sleepless nights.

About the Students

What current trends are baffling to you? Why?

Knee high socks and high heels — who does that? Crop tops are also only half a shirt and schools are air-conditioned — students complain about being cold.

What differences do you see in your morning students versus the afternoon classes?

Morning students always seem more tired the first few periods, the Goldilocks zone is right after lunch, and late afternoon students get exhausted again and are thinking about after school activities.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Accept responsibility for your own mistakes. Everyone makes them, but learn from it and keep that in mind when those scenarios come up again.

How do you remember all of your students’ names?

It takes some time, but I still remember students I have had in past years and still say hello when I see them.

You are with a student for a whole semester or year, and form great connections.

What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching?

I love watching football, basketball, plays, musical performances, and seeing students working when they are outside of school.

Smiling and waving at a students and recognizing them often brings a smile to their face.

If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C. — there is something for everyone.

Along the Lines of a Specific Article or Theme

What kind of driver were you when you first got your license?

The driver's ed teacher had to teach me to drive because my parents thought I was a horrible driver.

What song should students listen to when doing work for your class?

I want to make a playlist that students will occasionally be able to listen to during independent work time.

I recently went to a One Republic & Need To Breathe concert, so I've been listening to them a lot lately.

What is your first memory from school?

I remember my Kindergarten experience and remember being "behind" compared to other students that were my age since I hadn't attended preschool.

How do you think students will remember you and your class?

I want them to learn, and there is a balance of having fun and pushing yourself to become a better student.

Just for Kicks

How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?

I would not survive a zombie apocalypse, I am not a survivalist.

If you could grow up in any decade, which would you choose?

People romanticize the past and decades, but we are constantly learning and our society is developing.

I am happy to live in today's age and appreciate the advantages that our society and country have worked toward.

There is still room for improvement, and we are all needing to work together to get there.

What memories do you have from the first movie you ever saw in theaters?

My first movie that I saw in a theater was "Dumb & Dumber" — I was 8 years old.

The second movie I saw in the theater was "Twister."

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com