Kelloggsville — Erin Sokol, a graduate of Muskegon’s Reeths-Puffer High School, planned to return to the Muskegon area to teach, but a student teaching opportunity in the Grand Rapids area changed those plans.
“I really liked the area,” Sokol said about Grand Rapids.
So after graduating from Western Michigan University, she joined Kelloggsville Public Schools, where she has worked for the past 27 years.
Currently at West Kelloggsville Elementary, Sokol spoke with SNN about her passion for teaching and her love for working with the youngest students.
Why do you teach? “I have always wanted to be a teacher. My grandma taught kindergarten for 30 years, and I remember going to her classroom as a little girl, and joining in the songs they sang and their art projects they did. It was such a fun environment, and I knew this was what I wanted to do when I grew up.
“As a teenager, I began teaching dance and gymnastics at my dance studio. I taught preschool classes all the way through middle-schoolers. This gave me a great opportunity to know that the little ones were my favorite age. Watching them develop skills was so exciting to see.”
What is your biggest motivator that keeps you excited about teaching? “Hearing the words ‘I did it!’ brings me so much joy and motivation. From zipping their coat to opening their milk, accomplishing tasks on their own is so exciting for not only the students, but for me as well. They are so proud to show me how they colored in the lines, counted to 100, discovered a certain letter in a book or made a rhyming word. I truly share in the excitement of their accomplishments.”
Why preschool? What’s the best/most interesting thing about it? “I have taught both 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool as well as kindergarten. I feel Young Fives is a wonderful ‘in between grade,’ and I am so happy that Kelloggsville offers this opportunity for our students that need that extra year to prepare for kindergarten.
“During the first week or so, many students are timid and often nervous about school. I can get their education started on the right track by making school fun. Young Fives begin the year with a few skills, which always helps the transition run smoother.
“However, by the time May arrives, they are independent ‘big kids’ that are beginning to read and write. The growth they make within nine months is incredible. I love knowing that after completing Young Fives, they are often very successful in kindergarten.”
What are some of the biggest challenges in your role and how do you strive to meet them? “One challenge I feel all elementary teachers are facing is the wide range of developmental readiness and student needs. Students come to school having very different experiences — emotionally, socially and academically — so it can be tricky to differentiate instruction.
“Teachers are also balancing academic levels, social-emotional needs and behavioral challenges, often single handedly. There are times when one student needs help with their work, while another needs his shoe tied, a third says their tummy hurts and another is tattling that someone stuck their tongue out.
“When you are on your own, you prioritize the news, take a deep breath and tackle one issue at a time.”
‘I truly share in the excitement of their accomplishments.’
— Young Fives teacher Erin Sokol
What’s the most amazing/notable/interesting thing about your students? “Four- and 5-year-olds say the most wonderful things! I have had students call hand sanitizer ‘hanitizer,’ and headphones ‘earmuffs.’ They are always experimenting with new vocabulary, and I love when they use words like ‘actually’ or ‘literally.’
“At the beginning of school, it’s common for students to call me ‘Mrs. Circle’ instead of ‘Mrs. Sokol,’ and their stories make me laugh every single day. They are the most honest little humans. I have to be careful when asking for their opinions, because they will always tell me exactly how they feel.”
What would you say to someone considering teaching as a profession? “Consistency is key! I stay consistent throughout the day, week and year so the students learn the routines and expectations that I’ve set.
“I also try very hard to focus on the positives in my classroom. If a child needs to sit down, I compliment those students that are sitting. Without saying anything to the child standing, that child will often sit so I can then compliment them as well.
“I would also tell someone who is considering teaching that respect works both ways. Love your students and show them that you care for them — all of them. I want my students to know I love and respect them so that they will respect me. A student that appreciates their teacher will work harder, and in turn make more gains in their academic journey.
“Finally, teaching is challenging and rewarding all at the same time. There are going to be tough days — really tough days. As hard as you try, you can’t make everyone happy all the time. However, in the end, those smiles, hugs and sweet words outweigh the challenges every time.”
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