UF Visiting Educator Stresses the “Unteachables” as a Teacher
Branden Ferguson Posted On April 25, 2024
University of Findlay alumna, Janelle Morris ’07 MAE ’10, was on campus as the College of Education’s visiting educator. Morris spoke with students about teaching as a profession, and about the “unteachable” skills teachers must have. The Visiting Educator Series is a semi-annual event that exposes Education students to real-world life experiences by guest speakers in a variety of teaching fields.
Morris is a third-grade teacher at Hardin Northern Local Schools, but she has also taught first, second, and third grades at Findlay City Schools. Throughout her career, she said that although she felt prepared by professors to be a teacher, there were various aspects of the job for which she wasn’t prepared. “The professors here do an amazing job and I attribute my career to them, but they cannot prepare you for real-world things,” Morris said. “I wanted to talk with students about dealing with administrations, colleagues, and yearly shuffles in teaching assignments.”
Morris described teaching as one of the most rewarding career paths but said understanding and flexibility are extremely important. “From politics to dealing with a seven-year-old, to dealing with your personal life being on social media – things are always changing,” she said. “The pendulum will swing and eventually it will come back to your comfort level. Then, it will take you out of your comfort level. You have to be flexible in your thinking and in your teaching and remember that at some point there will be some type of normal. Don’t stay stuck in your ways.”
When asked about University of Findlay students serving as student teachers, Morris said they are leaps and bounds ahead of others. “The professionalism UF teaches their students, the family that they create here, the investment they make in their students is second to none,” she said. “Professors are willing to change with the times and make sure students are prepared and understand that education is always changing.”
To learn more about University of Findlay and the College of Education, visit the College of Education webpage. More information about the Visiting Educator Series, including a list of previous visiting educators, is available online at findlay.edu/education/visiting-educator-series.
Post Views: 138
Latest Newsroom
- Mazza Museum to Host 30th Summer Conference July 15 to 17University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host its 30th annual Summer Conference Monday to Wednesday, July 15 to 17. The three-day conference welcomes hundreds of teachers, librarians, and book lovers to hear educational and engaging presentations from some of the […] The post Mazza Museum to Host 30th Summer Conference July 15 to 17 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- 902 Graduates Earn Degrees at UF CommencementUniversity of Findlay celebrated commencement ceremonies for 2024 graduates May 4 in the Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex. The Class of 2024 includes a total of 902 students, earning 16 associate degrees, 432 bachelor’s degrees, 314 master’s degrees, and 152 […] The post 902 Graduates Earn Degrees at UF Commencement appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- University of Findlay and Bluffton University Receive Joint GrantUniversity of Findlay and Bluffton University have received their first collaborative grant since announcing their proposed merger in March. The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) awarded the Improving Science Pedagogy Grant, funded by the W.M. Keck Foundation in the amount […] The post University of Findlay and Bluffton University Receive Joint Grant appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Brings Experience and Passion to Educational Administration ProgramUniversity of Findlay has named Kadee Anstadt, Ed.D. as the new program director of the Educational Administration Program within the College of Education. Anstadt has experience as a teacher (five years), assistant superintendent (14 years), and is coming from Washington […] The post UF Brings Experience and Passion to Educational Administration Program appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Allows Alumna Amy Bullock to Blaze Her Own PathAmy Bullock, DPT ’13 knew she wanted to be a physiotherapist when she was in high school. Surrounded by sports and rehab due to various sports-related injuries, Bullock knew she wanted to work somewhere in the world of physical therapy, […] The post UF Allows Alumna Amy Bullock to Blaze Her Own Path appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Three Inducted to Curtain Raisers Wall of FameFor their contributions to University of Findlay’s performing arts community, three individuals have been named to the Curtain Raisers Wall of Fame for 2024 – Denise (Reno) Anders, David Hinds, and Jeffrey Lee. The three new inductees were honored by […] The post Three Inducted to Curtain Raisers Wall of Fame appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.