Kristie Mahin
El Camino Creek Elementary | first grade
How long have you been teaching? Twenty-one years and have loved each one of them.
What inspired you to be a teacher? My fourth-grade teacher was a huge influence on me. She made each of us feel like we were her favorite, honoring all of our strengths and incorporating creativity in all her lessons. I can only hope my kiddos feel this same sense of connection in my classroom.
What is your greatest joy in teaching? The students, of course. Being able to see their potential at the beginning of the year, then watching the growth both academically and socially is very rewarding. I love when the parents see work samples from beginning to end and are just amazed at the magic that has occurred for their child.
What about the greatest challenge? The greatest challenge would be the hours we put in. With two school-age children of my own, time management can be a definite stressor. I get up at 4:30 a.m. each morning to be sure I get some self-care in and can arrive to school by 7 a.m. to make sure all is well and ready for an amazing day with my class. I usually stay until 4 p.m., and of course even have to go in on weekends sometimes.
What if a student can have only one takeaway from time spent in your classroom, what would it be? I’d like to think that every child that leaves my classroom at the end of the year feels loved, heard, seen and respected. I wholeheartedly believe in making sure my classroom is a welcoming place for all children, no matter their background, socioeconomic status, family structure, gender identity, culture, race, ability, religion, or ethnicity. All children deserve dignity and a sense of belonging. It’s my job to provide just that!