“Travel is the best teacher.” The Educator Spotlight is on Spanish Teacher Michele Hill
Write on Fight on’s Educator Spotlight features insights, reflections and best practices from passionate classroom teachers and school administrators.
Meet Michele Hill. Michele is an high school Spanish teacher from New Jersey. An active educational blogger, Michele believes engagement is the key to inspiring students. She recently took a group of students to Costa Rica to further teach them a lesson in altruism.
Check out my interview with Michele, visit her blog and enjoy!
I believe that an empowered student is one who is in charge of his/her learning and wants to pursue it with or without a teacher.- Michele Hill
Besides being an educator Michele Hill is….
a mother, wife and a grandmother, and a world traveler and a kind humanitarian.
What school and what subject do you currently teach?
I work at Delsea Regional High School. I teach Spanish and a special program called SWAG that works with our most at-risk students.
What is the one book ever educator should read? Why?
There are so many to choose from. I think all teachers should read Todd Whitaker’s “What Great Teacher’s Do Differently”. It’s easy to understand and full of great advice that will help all teachers be successful with their students. It is sage advice on how to connect and manage all of the challenges that teachers face.
On your blog spiritededucator.blogspot.com you shared how you recently took a group of students to Costa Rica. Why are new experiences, such as your trip, so vital for student development?
I love taking students to new places to experience the world around them. I think that it is so important for our students to be globally minded in the world that we live in today. I also believe that the greatest learning occurs when students are engaged…and new experiences keep them engaged! Travel is the best teacher of all… reading about the Colosseum is one thing, standing in it is another!
What has been your biggest roadblock as an educator? And how did you overcome it? Or what are you doing now to overcome it?
My biggest roadblock is being so passionate about education that others find it annoying. My family certainly gets tired of hearing about school and my students. Fortunately, I have developed great relationships through my PLN, they have affirmed my desire to make education better and welcome my enthusiasm.
What is an empowered student?
I believe that an empowered student is one who is in charge of his/her learning and wants to pursue it with or without a teacher. They are on a quest for knowledge and experiences!
If, for one day, you were in charge of your school what would you do?
Make everyone feel welcomed! Celebrate staff and students and let them know that they all matter. Make school a place where everyone wants to be!
Movie or book– what is your favorite work of fiction?
Freedom Writers– Love that Ms. Gruell found a way to build meaningful relationships with ALL of her students!
Who inspires you?
Wow! This is a BIG question! I am inspired everyday by the teachers who care for their students, love them unconditionally and make them stretch and grow. Teachers are altruistic by nature. What they do day in and day out is inspirational for everyone!
What is your favorite non-teaching quote?
No matter how talented, educated, rich, or cool you think you are, ultimately how you treat people tells all!
Connect with Michele…
Twitter:@HillMrispo
Website: spiritededucator.blogspot.com
Do you know an awesome educator dedicated to inspiring and teaching others?
If so, please consider nominating them to be featured on Write on Fight on’s Teacher Spotlight Series. You can contact me at writeonfighton@gmail.com.
Be well,
Jay
