The Washington Examiner
The 3-minute interview: Stephanie Day
By Leah Fabel
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day wakes early each weekday morning to overcome challenges that have long thwarted educators throughout the District of Columbia. For her success as a special education teacher for early elementary students at the Chamberlain campus of Friendship Public Charter School, 26-year-old Day has been chosen as the city's Teacher of the Year for 2010.
What's your best trick for engaging your students?
One word: costumes. Bringing in art, music, dance -- anything to get kids engaged. It's critical to make lessons memorable and to tap into students' interests.
When you speak with non-teachers, what's the biggest misconception about your job?
The most inaccurate assumption is that teachers have a lot of time off. We don't work solely within the hours of the school day. I wish people would realize we have an 8 a.m.-to-8 p.m. day. And I've worked summers; I haven't had a summer off yet.
Also, there's a misconception about parents in urban communities, that they don't want to be involved. Parents do want to be involved, and they want direction, and they want what's best for their kids.
What did the award mean to you?
It was amazing. When I came into teaching through Teach for America, the first person I heard speak was Jason Kamras, who was the 2005 Teacher of the Year. I looked at him and said, "By the time I'm 30, I'll be the Teacher of the Year, too." I think it's about who you're surrounded by -- I've had amazing mentors and colleagues -- that's what it's about.
Has your school been a factor in your success?
When I came to Friendship two years ago, I asked for some leeway in my practices and strategies, and they said, "Go for it, let's see what you can do." They like creativity. If you bring it to the table, they'll back you up and let you try it.
- Leah Fabel